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Pakistan charity is a front for militant group, says UN
Ed Harris11.12.08
PAKISTAN was under growing pressure today to clamp down on an Islamic charity which the UN has declared a front for the group blamed for the Mumbai terror attacks.
Urged on by India and the US, a Security Council panel yesterday declared Jamaat-ud-Dawa a terrorist group subject to UN sanctions including an asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.
It was not clear this morning how the Pakistani government would respond but officials have said they are imposing tough measures against the group.
Abdullah Muntazir, a spokesman for Jamaat-ud-Dawa, said the UN decision was unjust and denied the group had links with al Qaeda or the Taliban.
He said moves against the charity would only harm poor Pakistanis who benefit from the group's extensive welfare and health care programmes.
Mr Muntazir added: "As there is no appeal mechanism in the UN, we will take our case before the people of Pakistan." Washington says the charity is a front for the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, blamed by India for the terrorist attack in its commercial capital last month that killed 171.
A crackdown on Jamaat-ud-Dawa would underpin the promise by Pakistan to pursue the Mumbai conspirators. The government claims India has not shared evidence from its investigation.
Pakistan's prime minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani, said Pakistani authorities had detained Zarrar Shah, a second key suspect in the Mumbai plot. Shah has been identified in India as LeT's communications chief who worked out ways for the group's leaders in Pakistan to stay in touch with the 10 gunmen during the three-day siege in Mumbai.
Mr Gilani also confirmed that Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, another alleged plotter, was detained on Sunday in Pakistan's Kashmir territory.
The lone surviving gunman from the attacks was due in court today to face 12 charges, including waging war against the state. Mohammed Ajmal Qasab is being charged so Indian police can hold him while they collect more evidence.
Reader views (2)
Pakistan is one of the poorest countries in the world but it never gets the charity money it deserves. Africa and one nearby country seem to get all the attention and money while this poor country gets nothing.
- Sam, Stockport, Greater Manchester
Benefit, poor Pakistani, they are still suffering from the earth quake they did NOT receive all the charity that thousands of people contributed to, you know where that went,[ dont talk to me about islamic funding]
Every Juma friday in the mosque there are thousands of pounds collected and on other festive occasions too, its on going , never ending, of course they are funding the terrorist 25 percent of their earnings go to them, they are proud to tell you if your a muslim.
I am a muslim and it makes me sick, there should be more investigation into all theses fundings. sorraya
- Annie, croydon
