Brit Defence Minister confirms Mumbai terrorists were Pakistanis

Lahore, Jan.20 (ANI): British Defence Secretary John Hutton has confirmed that the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks were Pakistanis, The Daily Times reports.

"We are certain that the Mumbai attackers were Pakistanis and Islamabad has to give assurance to the international community and India that the assailants would be punished and brought to justice," Hutton was quoted, as saying in an interview to a private television channel.

Hutton also appealed to Pakistan to act sincerely and clamp down on terrorist camps in the country.

He urged Pakistan to assure the international community and India that it was ally in the 'war on terror'.

Commenting on the trial of the Mumbai attackers, Hutton said: "Obvious legal action should be taken against the Mumbai perpetrators."

Highlighting the importance of the relation between India and Pakistan, Hutton said that it is very important for both countries to develop long-term co-operation.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani met Hutton in Islamabad and assured him that Pakistan is sincerely probing the Mumbai attack based on the 'dossier' provided by India.

"Pakistan Ministry of Interior has appointed a high-powered team of experts to look into the information provided by India and its findings would be shared with India and other countries as soon as the process would be completed," Gilani said.

Gilani, however said that the United States, Britain and other important allies have not provided Pakistan with the required economic assistance needed to carry on its fight against terrorism.

"US and other important allies were promising Pakistan the required economic and capacity building assistance,but not much have been delivered so far, in real terms," he said.(ANI)