Pak Minister Malik invites Chidambaram for an open debate on 26/11

Islamabad, Sep.11 (ANI): Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik has invited his Indian counterpart P Chidambaram to an open debate on investigations into the 26/11 terror attacks.

Addressing a press conference here, Malik said Pakistan was sincere in the investigations into the Mumbai attacks, adding that it had filed the charge sheet in the court within 76 days, whereas the Indians took more than 90 days to prepare the charge sheet.

Malik said he is ready for the debate anywhere India, Pakistan or wherever Chidambaram likes.

Malik acknowledged receiving the six Indian dossiers, but added that New Delhi appeared to be confused about who was the mastermind behind 26/11 -- Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi or Hafiz Saeed.

Rehman's open debate challenge to Chidambaram came as the latter met US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington and reportedly briefed her about Pakistan's inaction against the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks

Chidambaram, who wraps up his four-day visit to the United States today, told Clinton that Pakistan simply has not taken any action against the perpetrators of 26/11, and its mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

Chidambaram also told US officials that infiltration from Pakistan has increased since May this year.

Drawing disparity between India and Pakistan's approach to the investigations, he said, "I think the US understands the difference between the way India has approached the post 26/11 situation and the way Pakistan has approached the post 26/11 situation. I think it is enough to draw attention to the difference and leave it there."

On the resumption of talks between India and Pakistan, Chidambaram said: "I think India's position has been made clear by the Prime Minister in parliament and there is no need for me to add anything to it or clarify." (ANI)