Pranab Mukherjee's remarks unhelpful, says Pakistan

Pakistan on Monday described as "unhelpful" external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee's remarks that Islamabad is still in "denial mode" over cross-border terrorism and said it is committed to bringing the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to justice.

Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said in a statement that Mukherjee's remarks "were unhelpful".
       
Mukherjee had yesterday said Pakistan was in "denial mode" on cross-border terrorism. He also said Pakistan's peace deal with religious hardliners linked to the Taliban in Swat was a matter of concern.
 
Responding to a question on Mukherjee's comments, Basit said: "The entire international community has praised Pakistan for its earnestness and cooperation in bringing the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to justice.
 
"Pakistan will continue working towards this end," he said.
 
India and Pakistan have traded angry charges over the Mumbai attacks, which New Delhi has blamed on Pakistan-based elements, including the Lashker-e-Taiba.

After denying the involvement of Pakistani elements for several weeks, Islamabad acknowledged that part of the conspiracy behind the Mumbai attacks was hatched on its soil.

Pakistani authorities have filed formal charges against nine suspects, including Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone terrorist captured in India for the attacks.