Once again, Pak adjourns trial of Mumbai suspects

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani anti-terrorism court on 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 today 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 because he was ill. The case has now been adjourned at least 6 times in 2 months, casting severe doubts on whether Islamabad was serious about prosecuting those behind the Mumbai attacks.
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.