Mumbai attacks controversy continues

The controversy created by the remarks of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Mumbai Attacks continued after Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Monday that the remarks were quoted out of context and blamed Indian media for twisting the remarks. Although Mr. Sharif reiterated his stance on the remarks and again repeated them in front of the media on his appearance before an accountability court where he is facing

Nawaz Sharif in an interview with daily Dawn on Saturday claimed that militant organisations are active in Pakistan. He also dubbed them as non-state actors. “Should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can’t we complete the trial?,” he asked.

The remarks were widely quoted by Pakistani and international media which interpreted the remarks as allegations on the military.

On Sunday military called for an emergency meeting of National Security Council which reviewed Mr. Sharif's remarks and said in a statement that it was very unfortunate that the opinion arising out of either misconceptions or grievances, was presented in disregard of concrete facts and realities. The participants unanimously rejected the allegations and condemned the fallacious assertions, “the statement of National security Council stated. It was attended by all services chiefs and defense minister. The meeting alleged that the delay in conclusion of Mumbai attack case was caused by India, not Pakistan. "Besides many other refusals during the investigation, the denial of access to the principal accused, Ajmal Qasab, and his extraordinarily hurried execution became the core impediment in the finalization of the trial. Pakistan continues to await cooperation from India regarding the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav and the Samjhota Express attack," the statement concluded.

Prime Minister Abbasi told newsmen after the meeting that he met Nawaz Sharif said that Mr. Sharif clarified neither said any such thing, nor can it be said on the basis of assumptions that planning for the Mumbai attacks was done in Pakistan

Defiant Mr. Sharif however stated he stoodby his remarks. “What did I say in the interview that was wrong,” he asked journalists in Islamabad.

His daughter Maryam Nawaz at a rally in Buner said 'traitor' card is being used to tarnish the image of his father after dislodging him as prime minister on false charges of corruption.

Opposition parties slammed Mr. Sharif for his remarks and claimed he is supporting India's narrative.