Pakistan disowns Tahawwur Rana, accused in 2008 Mumbai terror attacks

Pakistan has rapidly distanced itself from Tahawwur Rana, the main accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, following his extradition to India from the US. The Pakistani government asserts that Rana is no longer a citizen due to his Canadian nationality and his inability to renew his Pakistani documents in more than two decades. 

Rana's connection to Pakistan's intelligence agency

Rana's ties with Pakistan's military and intelligence agency, ISI, have been under the scanner. He's thought to have been closely associated with these organizations, and that's possibly why Pakistan disowned him suddenly. Being close to David Coleman Headley, one of the prime conspirators behind the 26/11 attacks, Rana's ties with Pakistan's intelligence apparatus are being questioned.

Extradition and trial

Following a last-ditch bid to evade extradition that failed, Rana was brought to India, where he will be tried for his role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The case will be dealt with by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with Rana most likely to be housed in Delhi's Tihar jail.

India's victory in pursuit of justice

The extradition is a major win for India in its quest for justice for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which resulted in more than 174 deaths. The trial will bring to light Rana's role and possibly reveal Pakistan's sponsorship of terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba.