Islamabad: Pakistan has rejected criticism over the release of Jaish-e-Mohammad
chief Maulana Masood Azhar, saying he was released on the orders of the Lahore High
Court.
In a statement to the official media on December 15 night, Information Minister
Sheikh Rashid Ahmed claimed that India has levelled baseless allegations against
Pakistan over the release of Masood Azhar, the prime accused in last year's attack
on Indian Parliament.
"Masood Azhar was not released by the government of Pakistan and it is a purely
judicial matter and India has to accept it," he said, adding the court felt that he
was in jail for too long under Maintenance of Public Order.
He also denied that Anees Ibrahim, the gangster wanted in Mumbai riots, has been
deported to Pakistan from United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Ahmed said Ibrahim has no connection with Pakistan and India's allegations in this
regard were "totally baseless".
India has blamed Pakistan after it failed to secure the custody of Anees in Dubai,
he said.
PTI
.
