Delhi 'appreciates' terror efforts

Islamabad: India has for the first time thanked Pakistan for its efforts in the ongoing investigations into the Mumbai attacks, Pakistan's Interior Adviser Rehman Malek claimed on Monday.

Malek was talking to media after his meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Satyabrata Pal at the Interior Ministry.

Malek said the Indian High Commissioner exchanged with him details of his country's efforts in the ongoing investigation into the Mumbai attacks and appreciated Pakistan's efforts. Pakistan's High Commissioner to Delhi, Shahid Malek, was also present on the occasion.

Malek claimed on Sunday that the planning of Mumbai attacks was done outside Pakistan. "The reports we have seen so far indicate that the Mumbai attacks were planned outside Pakistan," he said.

"Pakistan has kickstarted its investigations into the Mumbai attacks and the high-level inquiry committee will present its report within 10 days in a transparent way," Malek told media.

The Interior Adviser however made it clear that despite country's resolve to cooperate with India in the Mumbai attack probe, Pakistan would not come under pressure and bow before any one.

Malek said the Pakistani investigators have started probe in the light of the information passed on by India. "If someone was found involved in the light of our investigations, we will definitely take action," he added.

Malek said Pakistan has suffered most by terrorism and the South Asian neighbours (India and Pakistan) can jointly end the menace of terrorism in this region. "We have arrested 70 people belonging to Jamaat-ud-Dawah so far and around 54 people are under surveillance, and we will lodge criminal cases against anyone against whom any concrete evidence is found," he said.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has urged India not to place the onus for its security on Pakistan. "Instead of placing the onus for India's security on Pakistan, we expect the Indian government to respond positively to our proposals for pragmatic and constructive engagement on countering terrorism," Gilani said in a statement released by Pakistan's Foreign Office.

"We have seen the remarks of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asking Pakistan to ensure against attacks like Mumbai and the Indian Embassy in Kabul, as well as to measure up to its words by actions," Gilani said.