In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan has distanced itself from Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, following the US Supreme Court’s decision to allow his extradition to India. Pakistan’s Foreign Office claimed that Rana, originally from Pakistan, is now a Canadian citizen and no longer holds any official ties with the country. Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that Rana had not renewed his Pakistani documents in over two decades, reinforcing the claim that he is solely a Canadian national.
Rana, aged 64, has long been under scrutiny for his alleged role in facilitating the 26/11 attacks that killed over 160 people in Mumbai. He is known to have arranged travel documents for his associate, David Coleman Headley (aka Daood Gilani), who conducted reconnaissance missions for the terror plot orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba and the ISI. According to Indian authorities, Rana even praised the deadly attacks, reportedly stating that the perpetrators deserved Pakistan’s highest military honors.
The extradition process gained momentum after US Secretary of State signed the surrender warrant in February, and the US Supreme Court recently rejected Rana’s final appeal to block his transfer. Upon arrival in India, he is expected to be held at Delhi’s Tihar Jail, where he will face trial under Indian law. This move marks a crucial step toward justice, as Rana becomes the second key figure after Ajmal Kasab to be brought before Indian courts for the 26/11 case.
