THIS refers to my article ‘Mumbai attacks trial’ (Aug 3) and the twist given by a section of the Indian media insinuating that Pakistani state elements had a role in the Mumbai terror attacks of November 2008.

It is evident in the article that that the terrorist attacks had been committed by non-state actors against whom a thoroughly professional investigation was carried out by the FIA and they are being prosecuted by the state of Pakistan. However, the complexities of proving a case of conspiracy were duly pointed out as my professional viewpoint.

Such non-state actors are also active in India and are known to have worked against Pakistan’s peace and integrity. This is why emphasis has been laid upon joint and collaborative efforts to properly investigate and prosecute all such incidents of terrorism.

The facts stated in the article were shared officially by the Government of Pakistan with the Government of India in 2009 after the indictment of the seven arrested accused in the anti-terrorism court.

The said article was written for the Pakistani nation and the state that is grappling with the demon of militancy through a concerted CT National Action Plan. It is for the Indians to look inward and sort out their internal security fault lines. That is why I chose not to respond to any of their media persons’ attempts to draw me in this controversy.

My record is known in Pakistan, and I have known many senior Indian police officers during my tenure as a Member of Interpol Executive Committee for Asia from 2009 to 2012. Let us devote our energies to the common cause of addressing the scourge of terrorism, militancy and extremism in South Asia.

Tariq Khosa

Lahore

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2015

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