Pakistan appoints new judge for 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case

Islamabad, Oct 24(ANI): Pakistan on Saturday appointed Judge Malik Muhammad Akram Awan to replace Judge Baqir Ali Rana of Rawalpindi's Anti-Terrorism Court 2 hearing the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

Rana had earlier approached the High Court with an application for the case to be transferred out of his court citing "unavoidable reasons."

According to reports, Rana had backed out of the case after receiving death threats from Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) and pressure from the Government.

The anti-terrorism court is conducting the trial of seven suspects linked with the Mumbai attacks, including LeT operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi.

Earlier in the day, the Lahore High court had shifted the trial following Justice Rana's refusal to continue as the judge. The case has now been scheduled for further hearing on October 31. (ANI)