ISLAMABAD: India had informed Pakistan in advance about the hanging of Mumbai attacks convict Ajmal Kasab following rejection of his mercy plea.

“We were informed about execution of Ajmal Kasab a day before his execution,” Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani said at a press briefing here on Thursday.

The secretary said he was not aware of any threat by the Taliban to carry out attacks against India to avenge the execution as well as any particular demand from India to increase security for its diplomats in Pakistan.

He said suitable security arrangements were in place for the diplomats in the country and no complaint had so far been received from any country.

He said Pakistan’s position on the issue remained consistent and it condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations either in the country or elsewhere in the world.

D-8 SUMMIT: About a sudden change in Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi’s plan to attend the summit, the foreign secretary said he was expected till late Wednesday night, but had to stay in his region because of developments unfolding in Gaza.

He said President Morsi had sent his good wishes for the government and people of Pakistan. He was represented by Egyptian Vice-President Mahmoud Mekki.

“We understand President Morsi’s compulsions,” he said.

President Morsi was also scheduled to address a joint session of both houses of parliament on Friday which has now been cancelled.

On the sidelines of the D-8 Summit, the leaders of the Muslim countries discussed with President Asif Ali Zardari the situation in Gaza strip, he said.

The foreign ministers of the countries would meet again after the summit to discuss the situation which was of significant concern for all, he said.

“Everybody would want a ceasefire and urgent attention paid to de-escalate tension.”