No major breakthrough in Lahore attack probe

Two days after the devious terror attack on Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, the authority in Pakistan is still clueless about the attackers. The police, however, has released few sketches of some suspects.

According to a report, Pakistan investigating agencies are now of the opinion that militants to all probability are carrying out the attack to facilitate the release of Lashkar-e-Toiba commander Zakir-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.

•   E-mail Article
•   Printer Friendly
•   Text-Size    

Lakhvi is currently detained at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi and is facing trial for his alleged role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

According to sources, investigation agencies are saying that the attack was planned and carried out by a Lashkar operative.

Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani's Advisor on Interior Affairs, Rehman Malik, had also said that the Lahore attackers wanted to hijack the bus carrying the visiting team.

On the day the attack on the Lankan team was carried out, Lakhvi and four other 26/11 suspects were to appear in front of Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi. The court then extended the physical remand of all five for another 14 days.

It has also been revealed that the security cover provided to the Lankan team was inadequate. Officials said that it was sheer luck the players were saved.

Meanwhile, the investigating staff of Pakistan police have arrested several men in connection to the attack and also released sketches of four suspects. The Pak authority, however, has refused the offer of FBI for a joint probe into the Lahore attack.

In another development, Dawn News quoting the Commissioner of Lahore, Mr Khusro Pervez has reported a huge security lapse which caused the tragic incident. ?There are certain security lapses which are very vivid and very clear,? Khusro said in an interview to the news agency.

(Agencies)