Pakistan Admits Link To Mumbai Attack Plot

By: Farhan Bokhari
Topics: World Watch

This story was filed by CBS News' Farhan Bokhari in Islamabad.

Pakistan acknowledged for the first time Thursday that the in November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India were partially planned on its soil.

"Some part of the conspiracy has taken place in Pakistan," said de-facto Interior Minister Rehman Malik at a news conference Thursday announcing the outcome of Pakistan's investigation into the attacks.

(AP Photo )

"We have located those locations which were used by the terrorists before launching themselves," said Malik (seen at left holding up evidence). "Some of the accused who have been arrested, they have given us the full rundown."

Pakistani government officials say six of the main suspects wanted in connection with the attacks, which left at least 179 people dead in India's commercial capital, were already in Pakistani custody. They included Zia ur Rehman Lakhvi, a hardcore member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Islamic militant group, who is believed to be the mastermind of the attack. Pakistani officials have said at least two to four other militant suspects wanted in connection with this case are still at large.

While Malik conceded that the attacks were planned partially in Pakistan, he named unspecified links, possibly an internet domain, to Houston in the United States, in addition to discovery of some of the funds being transferred from Italy and Spain to finance the attacks. Moreover, Austrian SIM cards had been used too, according to Malik.

Nevertheless, it was an acknowledgement that could intensify pressure on the country to act fast to eliminate terrorist groups.

The attacks, which left at least 179 people dead in India's largest commercial city, have been followed by relentless claims from Indian officials, accusing Pakistan's intelligence services of involvement in the incident.

Pakistan's leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani have accused "non-state actors" of involvement — people who operate outside the government's control.

Western diplomats responding to Pakistan's admission Thursday warned the country would have to take aggressive action in wiping out terrorists from its soil — far beyond what has already been done with the arrest of some of the militants suspected of having links to the Mumbai attacks.

Pakistani officials, however, point to their decision to begin prosecuting suspected militants — the first time ever that the south Asian country has begun formal prosecutions for anyone accused of a militant attack on its neighbor and long-time foe, India.

The nuclear-armed neighbors have had adversarial relations since 1947, when they were carved out of a united India under British colonial rule. The two countries have fought three major wars and many skirmishes, mostly prompted by their ongoing dispute over the division of the mountainous state of Kashmir. One third of the predominantly-Muslim state is under Pakistan's control while the rest is controlled by Indian.

Western diplomats tell CBS News Thursday's report is unlikely to fully satisfy Islamabad's foreign partners — including the United States, which has urged Islamabad to promptly investigate the matter.

The Mumbai attacks continue to fuel fear of an armed Indian retaliation, such as a pinpoint strike on a suspected militant site in Pakistan — especially if there is another attack on Indian soil.

"The situation remains potentially very alarming," one senior Western diplomat in Islamabad said on condition of anonymity. "Pakistan really needs to move ahead very aggressively to attack militants on its own soil."

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by daviolo February 13, 2009 8:22 AM EST: the raghead mullas & their jehadi pals in pakistan''ll gasp for air without getting US aid so how it they will NOT bow before US dictates??; Reply to this comment


by gosukabug February 13, 2009 3:30 AM EST: Muslims should be eradicated on a global scale.; Reply to this comment


by rickstas February 12, 2009 8:58 PM EST: This admission is just like the admission we are in recession, LOL. Everybody already knew!!!; Reply to this comment


by proudkafir February 12, 2009 5:27 PM EST: Pakistan is very cosy with China,nevermind the small matter of China''s suppression of Muslims there. Religion does not come in the way in such cases for pakistan.If only China had ''facilitated'' for Pakistan in winning a few medals (wud''ve been a 1st for pakistan) during last beijing olympics-their ties could''ve been ''more'' sweeter.; Reply to this comment


by proudkafir February 12, 2009 5:17 PM EST: Pakistan''s endless obsession with everything Indian is sad & embarrassing .Pakistan must grow up now & try to achieve something other than as terrorist-attack planning & execution centre of world.The Indians in contrast seemed quite happy & self-reliant & prospering too.; Reply to this comment


by yongamerica February 12, 2009 5:11 PM EST: This is a huge step towards mending the Pakistan/India ties. If these two countries could be come cooperative China''s influence in the Mideast would dimish considerably.

Pakistan''s prime minister continues to make monthly trips to China to report its economic progress and the ever strengthening influence China has in its economy and infrastructure.; Reply to this comment


by pakistannews February 12, 2009 4:32 PM EST: So what if Pakistan,as correspondent above puts it, lost 3 wars against India,Pakistanis are crazy for the Indian Hindi films & songs even if they are officially banned & many Pakistanis feel nostalgic to once again see the Hindu culture & their genteel ways shown in those films,afterall all Pakistanis remember that they had Hindu ancestors before forcible conversion to Islam.; Reply to this comment


by pehbek February 12, 2009 4:24 PM EST: Allah''ll support Pakistan in any chosen adventure no matter what! The US aid must not stop else how''ll the upper class there maintain their certain show-off in society & of course trickle effect for financing above type adventures. Author is wrong to put Pak as "south-Asian",instead indeed Pak needs to be considered as an Arab affliate state.Afterall its all about religion & bonding.; Reply to this comment


by jxknowles February 12, 2009 4:19 PM EST: It''s an encouraging first step to see Pakistan cooperating with the investigation and recognizing the problem.

Now they need to clamp down on the actors to demonstrate they will not tolerate terrorist activities within their border.; Reply to this comment


by winnerindia February 12, 2009 3:19 PM EST: Man, Pakistan has proved to be our friend. Long live our friendship mate.; Reply to this comment