Jamaat-ud-Dawa is not a front for the Lashkar: Pak FM

Paris, Dec.14 (ANI): Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has refused to accept that the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, which has been banned in his country, is a political front for the militant Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).

Currently on a visit to French capital Paris, Qureshi was quoted by the Daily Times as saying. "If there is evidence (of terrorist activities) we will take action."

Qureshi, who is here for a meeting with senior envoys to discuss the future course of action in Afghanistan, rejected the Indian Government's charge that Pakistan is the 'epicentre of terrorism'.

He countered that argument with a charge that India is using Pakistan as a scapegoat to promote its own political agenda.

"Because of domestic political compulsions, some Indian leaders have been looking for a scapegoat for the recent Mumbai terror attacks. And, when you want a scapegoat, Pakistan is (for historical reasons) the obvious choice," Qureshi told reporters here.

"We have to rise above petty politics for the larger interest of the region," he added.

Qureshi's comments came as the Pakistan Government continues with its crackdown on the Jamaat-ud-Dawa across the country, shutting down all of its offices, and taking most of its activists into custody following a UN sanction for the same. (ANI)