Zardari advises India not to "over-react" on Mumbai terror strikes
30 Nov 2008, 1116 Hrs

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Islamabad, Nov 30 Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has reportedly denied any Pakistani role in the Mumbai terror strikes, and pledged "action" against any group found to be involved.

He also advised New Delhi not to 'over-react' over the blasts, in blaming the attacks on Islamabad.

"Whoever is responsible for the brutal and crude act against the Indian people and India are looking for reaction.

We have to rise above them and make sure ourselves, yourself and world community guard against over-reaction," the Daily Times quoted Zardari as saying in an interview with an Indian news TV channel.

Zardari promised that he would take immediate and strong measures if proof of Pakistani involvement was provided.

"Let me assure you that if any evidence points to any individual or any group in this part of the world, I shall take the strictest of action in the light of this evidence and in front of the world," he said, and argued that reducing the Mumbai attacks to an "India-Pakistan problem was counter-productive".

He added: "This is a world threat and all the more reason we have to stand up against this threat together. There was miscommunication with India over sending the ISI director general to India.

We had announced that a director will come from my side. That is what was requested by the [Indian] prime minister and that is what we agreed."

"It is too early for the director generals to meet at the moment. Let the evidence come to light, let the investigation take its course.

Then perhaps there is a position where the directors general could meet," Zardari further said, and added "the ISI DG is too senior a person to get into the investigation. He is a person who overall looks into the investigation." (ANI)