Islamabad, March 21 (TNS): Pakistan has lodged a strong protest with India over the acquittal of all four accused in the Samjhauta Express terror attacks by a Special Court of Hariana.
The protest was lodged by Pakistan’s Acting Foreign Secretary with the Indian High Commissioner who was summoned to Foreign Office.
The Acting Foreign Secretary stressed that Pakistan had consistently raised the lack of progress and the subsequent, concerted attempts by India to exonerate the perpetrators of this heinous terrorist act in which 44 innocent Pakistanis lost their lives.
He said the issue was raised repeatedly, including at the sidelines of the Senior Officials, Heart of Asia Meeting in 2016. Formal demarches were also lodged regularly with India on the lack of progress and acquittal of the accused in other cases.
He said acquittal of the accused 11 years after the heinous Samjhauta Terror Attacks makes a travesty of justice and exposes the sham credibility of the Indian Courts.
It also belies the rampant Indian duplicity and hypocrisy where India reflexively levels allegations of terrorism against Pakistan, while protecting with impunity, terrorists who had publicly confessed to their odious crimes.
The Acting Foreign Secretary emphasized that the systemic Indian decision to gradually exonerate and finally acquit the perpetrators, is not only a gross reflection of India’s callous insensitivity to the plight of the 44 families of the deceased Pakistanis.
He said the decision is reflective of the Indian state policy of promoting and protecting Hindu terrorists. He called upon India to explore judicial remedies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, Foreign Office Spokesperson, Dr. Muhammad Faisal has said that all diplomatic channels will be utilized for raising voice against the acquittal of the accused in Samjhauta Express bombing case.
Talking to a private news channel, he said Pakistan had time and again reminded India that the accused are not only the murderers of Pakistanis, but of Indians as well.
He said Pakistan had also recorded a strong protest when the accused were given bails.
