Pak court puts off trial of Mumbai suspects for a week

Rezaul H Laskar

Islamabad, Oct 3 (PTI) A Pakistani anti-terrorism court
Saturday put off for a week the trial of seven suspects,
including LeT's operations chief Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, in
connection with the Mumbai attacks.

The judge conducting the trial within the high-security
Adiala Jail in the garrison city of Rawalpindi has imposed
strict gag orders.

However, sources said the hearing was again adjourned
Saturday for a week. But the reason for putting off the trial
was not immediately known. There was also no official word
about the proceedings.

Last week also, no proceedings were held as the
judge was on leave.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik had earlier said that the
suspects would be formally indicted at the September 26
hearing, which was, however, adjourned to October 3.

Pakistan's Federal investigation agency, which conducted
the probe into Pakistani links to the Mumbai attacks, has
already submitted chargesheets against all the accused.

Among the seven suspects are five LeT operatives –
Lakhvi, communications expert Zarar Shah, Abu al-Qama, Hamad
Amin Sadiq and Shahid Jamil Riaz. They have been accused of
providing training, financial support, accommodation,
equipment and communications gear to the 10 terrorists who
attacked Mumbai last year.

The two other suspects are Jamil Ahmed and Younas Anjum,
but no details are available on charges against them. PTI