A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has finally declared Lashkar-e-Taiyba commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi,as the mastermind behind the Mumbai attack a day before its 26/11 anniversary.And the court formally charged seven men suspects, including Lakhvi, with planning and helping execute the Mumbai attacks.

 

The court also declared 16 people, as proclaimed offenders including the only surviving terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab. He was captured alive during the 26/11 strikes. And now he in Mumbai jail .The crew members of the two boats that ferried the 10 attackers to Mumbai are among them, sources said.

 

Anti-terrorism court Judge Malik Muhammad Akram Awan, who is conducting the trial at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi for security reasons, framed the chargesheet against Lakhvi, Zarar Shah, Abu al-Qama, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jamil Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younas Anjum.

 

Pakistan court was registered case against seven accused in February, but trial has moved slowly. Its last protest was voiced last week after India’s repeated frustration over the non seriousness of Pakistan in bringing to book the perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks.

 

The court also rejected the bail pleas of some of the accused. Their lawyers Shahbaz Rajput said all seven pleaded not guilty and alsi said that the charge taken against the accused were without any powerful evidence.