He’s Canadian: Pak distances itself from Tahawwur Rana after extradition to India

In its first response following the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks plotter Tahawwur Rana from the US to India, Pakistan has hastily distanced itself from the terror accused, saying that he is no longer a Pakistani citizen.

“Tahawwur Rana has not renewed his Pakistani documents in the last two decades. His Canadian nationality is very clear,” the Pakistan Foreign Office said in an official statement.

The move comes amid rising concerns in Islamabad over what revelations Rana might make during his trial in India.

Sources suggest that Pakistan’s denial stems from Rana’s deep links with the Pakistani military and intelligence services. Rana is believed to be an insider with close ties to the Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

India has long maintained that the 26/11 attack was orchestrated with the support of Pakistan-based elements.

Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is being brought to Delhi from the US. He is likely to be lodged in Tihar jail when he reaches India.

Rana, 64, is a Pakistan-born Canadian national and close associate of one of the main conspirators of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, a US citizen.

Rana is being brought to India after his last-ditch attempt to evade extradition failed as the US Supreme Court justices rejected his application.