On a day when Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in Parliament that India knew about Dawood Ibrahim’s presence in Pakistan, the country’s High Commissioner, Abdul Basit, has denied that he was there. “He is not in Pakistan, what more can I say,” Mr. Basit said here.
On the 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed roaming freely in Pakistan and spewing venom against India, Mr. Abdul Basit said the government of Pakistan is seriously pursuing the case. Stating that Hafiz Saeed is on bail, the Pakistan High Commissioner added that the case is on, the “outcome should be awaited, no premature conclusions should be drawn”. He said seven persons were arrested in 2008-2009 in connection with the Mumbai attack, adding that the prosecution was trying its best. The High Commissioner, nonetheless, admitted that terrorism cannot be justified.
Participating in a “Meet the Press” programme at the U.P. Press Club, Mr. Abdul Basit said Pakistan had suffered a lot on account of terrorism. “ In the last 33 years, particularly after 9/11, 50,000 to 60,000 people, including 6,000 security personnel, have lost their lives, and according to a World Bank report, Pakistan has suffered a loss of about $ 1 billion,” he said.
Kashmir issueMr. Basit said the problem in Kashmir is not related to terrorism. The problem has persisted since 1947-48 and it should be seen in proper perspective, it is hoped that when talks between the two countries resume several subjects, including, Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek and visa issues, would be discussed, the High Commissioner said.
