Lakhvi case sub-judice, no need to jump the gun, says Pakistan envoy

Pakistan on Monday said India should "not jump the gun" as the case related to Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi is "sub-judice".

India had conveyed its outrage after a court in Islamabad had earlier this month ordered release of Lashkar terrorist Lakhvi, who is responsible for 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, though he was later detained again for 30 days.

"The case is sub-judice. So let's wait. Better not jump the gun," Pakistani High Commissioner Abdul Basit told reporters here on the sidelines of a function.

Lakhvi and six others have been charged with planning and executing the 2008 Mumbai attack that left 166 people dead, including several foreigners. On March 14 in Islamabad, Pakistan had detained Lakhvi for 30 more days under a public security order before he could be released from jail following a court directive to set him free.

When asked about the controversial tweets of Union Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh, Basit declined to comment. "No comments. He was our chief guest," he added.

Soon after representing the Government at the national day reception at Pakistan High Commission, Singh had issued a series of intriguing tweets defining "disgust" and "duty". 

Related read: Pakistan court gives 5 days to Punjab government to decide on Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi