There was widespread criticism of the failed foreign policy of the NDA Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday following Pakistan's decision to release the alleged 26/11 mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi from Rawalpindi's Adiala jail.
"It (the release) calls into question the intent, sincerity and seriousness of Pakistan establishment, its government and also the administration about bringing the perpetrators and conspirators of the terror attack in Mumbai to justice," said former union minister and senior Congress leader Anand Sharma.
Maintaining that Islamabad had adequate evidence to convict Lakhvi, Sharma further said, "Pakistan had been provided enough evidence (by India) which would have led to the conviction of Lakhvi and his other associates long back.
"Almost seven years after the attack, this (release) has happened. The Pakistan establishment must realize that it is in their best interest to take forward the relationship with India. But, that can never happen unless and until they are sincere and they honour the words given," he added.
Defence expert NK Tripathi expressed his concern on the matter. He said, "The Indian government is upset on this decision. Lakhvi is a cruel terrorist who has been given bail.
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"India had given enough evidence against Lakhvi to Pakistan but still the Pakistan government was encouraging him and did not punish him even if the span of seven years", Tripathi added.
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"Lakhvi is the main person who was involved in the Mumbai blasts. Solid evidences have been provided by India against him, but this is the fourth time that he has been let off from the Pakistan jail on bail," said defence expert SR Sinho.
"The main reason for this is the Pakistan army wants to utilise his services to carry out terrorist activities across the border in Kashmir valley and India", Sinho added.
On Thursday, the Lahore High Court struck down the detention order of Lakhvi and ordered his release.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Lakhvi challenging his fourth one-month detention ordered by the Okara DCO on March 14
The court ordered his release based on the lack of reliability of the sensitive information provided and also directed the accused to pay 20 lakh rupees in surety bonds to Adiala jail.
Lakhvi is among seven people charged with planning and carrying out the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
