India conveys to Pak concerns over JuD chief's release

Islamabad, June 4: India today conveyed to Pakistan its concerns over release from detention of JuD chief Hafiz Mohammed Saeed, saying the move reflected Islamabad's "insincerity" in probing the Mumbai terrorist attacks.

New Delhi's concerns on the issue were conveyed by High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal during a meeting with Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir this afternoon, sources in the Indian High Commission told PTI.

Sabharwal indicated that Saeed's release reflected "insincerity and lack of commitment" on Pakistan's part in probing the Mumbai attacks, other diplomatic sources said. Sabharwal said Pakistan needs to take "real action" in the matter, the sources added.

The need for Pakistan to take action against wanted fugitives Tiger Memon and Dawood Ibrahim and Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar also reportedly figured in the discussions between the two officials. The meeting was held at Sabharwal's request.

A statement issued by the Foreign Office spokesman quoted Bashir as saying that Saeed's release "was decreed by the court". Bashir said the matter "was being examined legally with a view to filing an appeal".

Earlier in the day, Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit told a weekly news briefing that the government of Punjab province would file an appeal against the Lahore High Court's order freeing Saeed from detention. PTI