India summons Pak envoy after Lakhvi's detention order suspended

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday summoned Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit to convey India's displeasure with the Islamic Republic after the Islamabad High Court suspended the detention order of 26/11 terror attack accused Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi earlier in the day.

The MEA, in a statement, said that the Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh has conveyed India's strong concern in the matter.

"The Foreign Secretary conveyed strong concern at the lack of effective action by Pakistan's Prosecuting authorities after the Anti-Terrorism-Court ordered the release of internationally designated terrorist Zakir ur Rehman Lakhvi, whose involvement in the Mumbai terror attack is well known," the statement read.

"It was once again conveyed that we expect the Government of Pakistan to abide by the commitment conveyed to us, including at the highest level, that expeditious steps would be taken to bring all those responsible for the heinous acts of terrorism in Mumbai to justice and that it was extremely disturbing that despite the assurances we have been receiving over the last six years, and the recent tragedies in Pakistan, there seems to be no end in sight to Pakistan remaining a safe-haven for well known terror groups," the statement added.

The decision by the Pakistani court comes after the federal government in that nation cancelled Lakhvi's bail and extended his detention in the Adiala Jail under the Maintenance of Public Order ordinance on December 18.

However, Lakhvi's counsel appealed that Lakhvi's detention by the administration after the court granted him bail was unlawful.