Pak Govt Will Give Assistance to Kasab Only if he Seeks Help: Malik

Pakistan has said that the issue of providing assistance to Amir Ajmal Kasab, convicted by India in 26/11 case, will be examined only if he seeks help, said media reports.

Talking to reporters yesterday, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the Pakistani government would react to Kasab’s conviction only after the court’s detailed judgement was made public, reports said.

Malik made the statement hours after a special court in Mumbai pronounced its judgement finding Kasab guilty of 83 charges out of a total of 86 framed against him.

In response to a query whether the Pakistani government would provide assistance to Kasab, the minister said that authorities would act within the provisions of law, reports said.

“If someone wants or applies (for assistance), we will examine it. If he doesn’t apply, then we will not examine it,” he was quoted as saying.

“Help is given to those who ask for it. If you ask (me), a terrorist is a terrorist,” Malik was quoted as saying.

Referring to the trial of seven suspects arrested by Pakistani authorities for alleged involvement in the Mumbai attacks, Malik said the First Information Report against these persons was filed on the basis of Kasab’s statement, said reports.

“Our court will want that the person who recorded Kasab’s statement should come (to Pakistan) to testify,” he was quoted as saying.

It may be mentioned that the Pakistan government recently sought formal access to Kasab to facilitate the trial of the seven suspects, including Lashker-e-Taiba commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi.

(Based on internet reports)