Islamabad – Pakistan Unveils Breakthrough, Arrests in Mumbai Probe

Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan acknowledged for the first time in public today that parts of the murderous Mumbai terror attacks were planned on its soil and said several suspects were being held.

Previously, the Pakistani authorities have said that the only surviving gunman from the 10 who attacked the Indian city last November was of Pakistani origin.

Earlier this week, a government report leaked to television networks in Pakistan said at least five of the 10 attackers – who killed 163 people in a rampage through luxury hotels, a Jewish center and other targets – were of Pakistani origin.

Indian officials have insisted that the attacks were supported by what Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called “some official agencies in Pakistan.”

Pakistani officials deny that, but today, Rehman Malik, the senior security official in the Interior Ministry, told reporters that several suspects were being held in Pakistan.

“Some part of the conspiracy has taken place in Pakistan,” he said. His remarks were broadcast later on local television stations.
He said police had begun a formal case against suspects whom he did not identify by name or list by number.

India has accused the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba of responsibility for the attacks, supported by Pakistani intelligence agencies.

But Mr. Malik did not refer to any alleged involvement of Pakistani security agencies.

The leaked report earlier this week said the attacks were planned in a European country and Dubai over the Internet, using Bangladesh for logistical support.

“What is required of Pakistan is that it should not delay, deflect or confuse, but act,” India’s junior foreign minister, Anand Sharma, said.

But Mr. Malik said today that Pakistan had “gone the extra miles” to satisfy Indian concerns. Pakistan’s message to India was: “We are with you and we have proved we are with you,” he said.