Pak using delaying tactics due to lack of evidence against Mumbai suspects: Defence lawyer

Islamabad, July 10 (ANI): While Pakistan has vowed that it is sincerely probing the Mumbai attacks and would soon start the trial of the six men accused of masterminding the November 26-29, 2008 carnage, documents regarding the case and the details of the evidence against the suspects have still not been handed over to the defence lawyers, casting serious doubts over Islamabad's intentions.

Pakistan's Attorney General, Sardar Latif Khosa claimed that the trial process is heading in the right direction, but it is learnt that important documents regarding the case have still not been handed over to the defence lawyers, The Dawn reports.

India has already made it clear that the resumption of peace talks with Pakistan would depend on progresss in the Mumbai probe, and the United States along with several western countries are monitoring Pakistan's efforts to penalize the perpetrators, as it has failed to punish the militants accused of carrying out terror strikes against India in the past.

Earlier, Khosa had said that the trial would start 'soon,' but failed to mention a date.

"There are no reasons (for a delay) other than the fulfillment of some legal requirements and resolution of technical issues before the start of the trials," he said.

On the other hand, lawyers representing the suspects like Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Zarrar Shah, claimed that the government does not have any evidence against the suspects.

"I have applied to get the copy of the charges submitted by the police, but am still awaiting. In fact, there is no evidence against my client. That is why the government is not showing any enthusiasm in this matter. I would say it is using delaying tactics," said Shahzad Rajput, who is representing one of the suspects.

The Pakistan government has been claiming that the 26/11 probe is in its final stages as it has acquired vital information, but the statement of the suspects' lawyers has certainly put a question mark over Islamabad's credibility. (ANI)