New Delhi: India calls out Pakistan for attempting to evade responsibility by distancing itself from Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key figure linked to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan asserts that Rana no longer holds Pakistani citizenship, labeling him a Canadian national due to his failure to renew citizenship after relocating to Canada.
Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that Tahawwur Rana has not renewed his Pakistani citizenship since moving to Canada. Given Pakistan’s policy against dual citizenship for migrants to Canada, the government considers Rana solely a Canadian national[Source].
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded sharply, stating that Pakistan’s efforts to distance itself from Rana do not alter its global image as a focal point for terrorism. Jaiswal reiterated that Rana’s extradition serves as a strong message that Pakistan must actively pursue justice against all perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, many of whom continue to find refuge there[Source].
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a 64-year-old businessman of Pakistani origin who became a Canadian citizen, was extradited to India on April 10th after the US Supreme Court dismissed his last review plea on April 4th. Rana was a close associate of David Coleman Headley, the primary conspirator in the 26/11 attacks[Source].
On November 26, 2008, a team of ten Pakistani terrorists launched coordinated attacks across Mumbai, targeting a railway station, luxury hotels, and a Jewish centre after sneaking in via the Arabian Sea. The siege lasted nearly 60 hours and resulted in the deaths of 166 individuals[Source].
Reiterating its position, Pakistan maintains that Rana is a Canadian national because he did not renew his Pakistani citizenship, consistent with the country’s non-recognition of dual citizenship for Canadian migrants. This move is perceived by India as an attempt to shirk accountability for Rana’s involvement in the Mumbai attacks
