LAHORE, Jan 9: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan on Friday regretted that one of the perpetrators of Mumbai carnage was confirmed as a Pakistani, but commends the Pakistan government for facing this unpleasant reality.

In a press statement, the commission stated that denial would only have eroded credibility of the government and soured relationships between the two countries possibly leading to war.

At the same time, the HRCP urges the government of Pakistan to extend consular access to Ajmal Kasab and to arrange proper legal defense to him. “It is the right of every individual to have counselor access and to have proper legal assistance, regardless of the accusation against the detained person.”

The statement said the HRCP will contact human rights organisations in India to ensure that Ajmal Kasab has legal defense as well as a fair and transparent trial.