Basit Denies Presence Of Dawood Ibrahim In Pakistan

11 May, Lucknow

Pakistani High Commissioner Abdul Basit has denied the presence of Dawood Ibrahim in his country. He was reacting to Home minister Rajnath Singh’s claim about Dawood being in Pakistan.

Talking to media persons in Lucknow Monday evening, Bassit said that Pakistan is a country which has been hit the hardest by terrorism therefore there is no question of its promoting terrorism anywhere, and, in any form.

He said that restart of cricket matches between India and Pakistan in near future will enhance the trust level at both the places. Besides, people from both sides love to watch the teams playing the cricket match, he said.

About 26/11 terror attack master mind Hafiz Saeed roaming freely in Pakistan, Abdul Basit said that Hafiz Saeed has not been absolved of the charges against him, he is merely out on bail and prosecution is trying hard to bring all the culprits of terrorism to the book.

When asked about recurrent infiltration of terrorists from the Kashmir border into India, he vehemently refuted the allegations saying why Pakistan would do so when it is struggling hard to combat with internal terrorism.

He however said that there are ‘non state actors’ at both of the sides, who do not want the peace and stability in both the countries. He said that all the disputes and points of contention can be resolved through the process of peaceful dialogue.

Prior to it, Pak envoy Abdul Basit met UP chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and invited him to visit Pakistan which was accepted in principle by Yadav.

Praising the culture and Mehman Nawazi of Lucknow he said that it felt as if he is amongst the people who are most acquainted and are like old friends. He profusely appreciated the mouth watering cuisines of Lucknow.