Islamabad, Aug 26: Urging Indian leaders not to resort to finger pointing in response to the bomb blasts in Mumbai, Pakistan today denied deputy prime minister L K Advani's charge that it has harboured Indians wanted for acts of terrorism in India. "We have not given any shelter to any Indian nationals," Pakistan foreign office spokesman Masood Khan told the a private TV channel while reacting to Advani's remarks made in Mumbai today.

"I would like to add that this is not the time for finger pointing. Nor should Indian leaders take political mileage out of the gruesome tragedy. We condemn this reprehensible acts of terrorism," he said.

Asked why Pakistan did not co-operate with India in view of the recent thaw in the relations, he said, "yes there is a thaw. We should maintain the momentum generated. Therefore leaders in India should avoid making negative statements. These are unhelpful."

"Yes this was gruesome tragedy. We have condemned it," he added.

Referring to Advani's charge that Pakistan's condemnation was a mere formality, Khan said that Pakistan yesterday condemned the blasts with all sincerity because Islamabad was against terrorism in all its forms. "We are surprised by statement attributed to Deputy Prime Minister that our condemnation is not a mere formality as he characterised”.
"Despite his negative reaction, we still sympathise and condole with the families of innocent civilians in Mumbai who have lost their lives and suffered injuries," he said.

Bureau Report