New Delhi/Islamabad: The extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has reignited calls for Pakistan to hand over other perpetrators still at large. However, Pakistan has swiftly distanced itself from Rana, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating that he is no longer a Pakistani citizen.
Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman and close associate of David Coleman Headley- one of the key conspirators of the attacks-was extradited to India on April 10 after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his plea against extradition. His arrival in India has heightened scrutiny on Pakistan’s role in shielding other suspects.
Responding to the development, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s stance, stating, “Pakistan may try very hard, but its reputation as the epicenter of global terrorism will not diminish. Rana’s extradition is yet another reminder that Pakistan must act and bring to justice other perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks.”
Pakistan, however, has been firm in its denial of any responsibility regarding Rana, with Foreign Affairs spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan clarifying that he did not renew his lapsed Pakistani citizenship after moving to Canada, which does not allow dual nationality for migrants from Pakistan.
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which left 166 people dead, were carried out by Pakistani terrorists who infiltrated India’s financial capital via the Arabian Sea. While India continues to demand accountability, Pakistan’s response signals continued reluctance in addressing its alleged role in harboring suspects.
