Pak militants with al Qaeda links behind attack on Lankan team

Islamabad, Mar 8 (ANI): Pakistan militants having close ties with al Qaeda were behind the attack on the Sri Lankan team outside Lahore's Gaddafi stadium, according to the investigations carried out by the government.

"The indications are that it was one of our own home grown groups, with possible linkages abroad," said a senior government official having knowledge of the investigation.

Police have rounded up scores of suspects, but have yet to announce a breakthrough in their investigation of Tuesday's attack.

"It's a tough job. We're connecting the dots. We're making every effort to get to the bottom and hopefully we'll do it," said Salahuddin Niazi, the officer heading the investigation.

"Any word before finalising the investigation will benefit the criminals. Let's finalise it, then we'll be able to point the finger at someone or a group or groups," The Dawn quoted him, as saying.

A local newspaper, citing a former high-ranking intelligence official in Punjab, said al Qaeda-linked Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) militants were responsible for the attack.

Speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject, the government official said groups such as the LeJ were highest on the list of suspects.

Some of the explosives carried by the assailants were not available in Pakistan, he said.

The official was dismissive of media speculation that India may have been behind the attack as payback for the assault by militants on Mumbai in November. (ANI)