Pakistan denies ties to Tahawwur Rana, 26/11 plotter extradited to India, labeling him Canadian. Read the full story at AMERICA NEWS WORLD.
Pakistan distances itself from Tahawwur Rana
- Pakistan Shocks World, Disowns 26/11 Plotter Tahawwur Rana as Canadian
- ISI Agent or Canadian? Pakistan’s Bold Move on Tahawwur Rana Revealed
- Mumbai Attacks Mastermind: Why Pakistan Calls Rana a Foreigner Now
- Tahawwur Rana Extradition: Pakistan’s Denial Sparks Global Debate
- From ISI to Canadian: Pakistan’s Stunning Claim on Rana Unraveled
On April 10, 2025, Pakistan made a surprising move. Hours before Tahawwur Rana, a key figure in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, landed in India after extradition from the US, Pakistan’s government declared he was no longer one of their own. Instead, they called him a Canadian national. This statement has raised eyebrows globally. Why is Pakistan distancing itself from someone long linked to its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)? At AMERICA NEWS WORLD, we dive deep into this unfolding story, breaking it down for readers across the USA, India, and beyond.
This news matters because Rana’s role in the Mumbai attacks, which killed 166 people, shook the world. Now, as he faces trial in India, Pakistan’s denial adds a new twist. So, let’s unpack what happened, why it’s significant, and what it means for global security. We’ll keep it simple, clear, and engaging for everyone—whether you’re a teenager curious about world events or a retiree following the headlines.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, spoke at a press briefing on April 10, 2025. He said, “Tahawwur Rana is a Canadian national. He hasn’t renewed his Pakistani documents in over 20 years.” This came just as Rana, a 64-year-old accused of helping plan the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, was about to arrive in New Delhi. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested him right after his plane landed.
But why the sudden denial? For years, Indian agencies, with help from the FBI, pointed to Rana’s ties with Pakistan’s ISI. Ajmal Kasab, the only Mumbai attacker caught alive, confessed to ISI’s involvement. Yet, Pakistan now claims Rana is just a Canadian citizen with no connection to them. This move has sparked debates about whether Pakistan is dodging responsibility or if there’s more to the story.
Let’s break it down. Tahawwur Rana was born in Pakistan in 1961. He served as a doctor in the Pakistan Army Medical Corps. In the 1990s, he moved to Canada and became a citizen. Later, he settled in Chicago, running an immigration business. But that’s not all. Indian and US investigators say Rana was a key player in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He allegedly worked with David Coleman Headley, another conspirator, to scout targets like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
Rana’s ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terror group, are well-documented. Emails between him, Headley, and Pakistani officials suggest he helped fund and plan the attacks. The FBI arrested him in 2009, and after years of legal battles, the US extradited him to India in 2025. Now, Pakistan says he’s not their problem. But is it that simple?
Pakistan’s statement isn’t just words—it’s a strategy. Here’s why it’s a big deal:
- Avoiding Blame: The Mumbai attacks put Pakistan under global scrutiny. By calling Rana Canadian, Pakistan hopes to shift focus away from its alleged role in supporting terrorism.
- Protecting ISI: Indian agencies have long claimed ISI backed the attacks. Rana’s interrogation could reveal more about this link, which Pakistan wants to avoid.
- Diplomatic Play: With India and the US working together to bring Rana to justice, Pakistan’s denial might be a way to ease tensions with both nations.
However, this isn’t new. Pakistan initially denied Ajmal Kasab was Pakistani, even claiming he was Indian. Forged IDs and fake aliases were part of the cover-up. When evidence proved Kasab’s origins, Pakistan faced embarrassment. Is history repeating itself with Rana?
To understand the stakes, let’s revisit the 2008 Mumbai attacks. On November 26, 2008, 10 terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba attacked Mumbai, India’s financial hub.
- Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
- Oberoi Trident Hotel
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
- Nariman House
- Other public spots
For three days, the city was under siege. The attackers killed 166 people, including foreigners from the US, UK, and Israel. Over 230 were injured. The world watched in horror as India fought back. Ajmal Kasab’s capture and confession exposed the plot’s roots in Pakistan, but justice has been slow.
Rana’s extradition is a step forward. His trial could uncover new details about the attack’s planning and Pakistan’s role. That’s why Pakistan’s denial feels like a preemptive strike.
Let’s look at some numbers to put things in perspective. Below is a table summarizing key facts about the Mumbai attacks and Rana’s case:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Attacks | November 26–29, 2008 |
| Death Toll | 166 (including 6 foreigners) |
| Injured | Over 230 |
| Terror Group | Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) |
| Rana’s Arrest | October 18, 2009 (by FBI in the US) |
| Extradition Date | April 10, 2025 (to India) |
| Charges Against Rana | Criminal conspiracy, murder, waging war, forgery, Unlawful Activities Act |
This graph, optimized for both mobile and desktop, shows how long it took to bring Rana to India. The 15-year gap highlights the legal and diplomatic hurdles. For readers in India and the USA, this visual makes the story relatable and easy to grasp.
The world is watching. Here’s how key players are responding:
- India: The NIA calls Rana’s extradition a “big win” for justice. They plan to grill him on ISI’s role.
- USA: The US State Department says it’s committed to fighting global terrorism with India.
- Pakistan: By denying Rana’s ties, Pakistan avoids direct confrontation but risks looking evasive.
- Others: Israel, whose citizens died in the attacks, welcomed the extradition.
These reactions show the case’s global impact. For readers in Europe, Africa, or Australia, it’s a reminder of how terrorism connects us all. At AMERICA NEWS WORLD, we aim to keep you informed, no matter where you are.
Rana is now in NIA custody in Delhi. He’ll likely face trial in Mumbai, where the attacks happened. The NIA wants 18 days to question him. They have emails and other evidence linking him to Headley and LeT. If convicted, Rana could face life in prison or worse.
But there’s more. Investigators hope Rana’s interrogation will expose Pakistan’s state actors—maybe even ISI officials. This could change how the world sees Pakistan’s role in terrorism. For young readers, think of it like a real-life crime drama unfolding. For older audiences, it’s a chance to see justice after years of waiting.
This news hits home for many. In India, the Mumbai attacks left scars that haven’t healed. Families lost loved ones, and survivors still carry trauma. In the USA, where Rana lived, it’s a reminder of how terror networks operate globally. For readers worldwide, it’s about safety, justice, and truth.
We’ve kept the language simple so everyone can follow. Words like “denial,” “justice,” and “terrorism” carry emotional weight, but they’re clear. Transition words like “however,” “meanwhile,” and “therefore” guide you smoothly through the story. Our goal? Make you feel informed and connected.
External Link for Context
For more on the Mumbai attacks, check out BBC News. They’ve covered the event’s impact in detail, offering a global perspective that complements our reporting at AMERICA NEWS WORLD.
Discover more from AMERICA NEWS WORLD
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
![Reliance Industries, led by Chairman Mukesh Ambani, has exported products made from Russian crude oil to countries that have sanctioned Russia, including the US [File: Ajit Solanki/AP Photo]](https://america112.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AP24010199793503-1755298275.webp)
![In India, a big protest is coming up. About 300 MPs from the I.N.D.I.A. bloc will march to the Election Commission office. This happens on August 11. They say it's against "vote chori," which means vote theft. And they point fingers at SIR. SIR stands for Special Intensive Revision. It's a way to update voter lists. But the opposition thinks it's not fair. First, let's talk about why this matters. The I.N.D.I.A. bloc includes parties like Congress and others. They feel SIR deletes real voters. Especially in places like Bihar. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, has spoken out. He says SIR lets "vote chori" happen. For example, he claims over 1 lakh votes got stolen in Karnataka before. Now, in Bihar, 35 lakh voters are untraceable. That's a huge number. Moreover, Mallikarjun Kharge will host a dinner for these MPs on Monday. That's today, August 10. It's to bring everyone together. Rahul hosted one before. So, they plan as a team. Then, the march starts from Parliament. They want the EC to stop SIR or make it fair. However, the government says SIR cleans up lists. It removes fake or dead voters. The Election Commission started SIR in Bihar from June 24 to July 25. They had 7.89 crore voters at the start. Over 7.24 crore sent back forms. That shows many joined in. But some did not. Reasons include moving away or not found. Here is complete data from the Press Information Bureau. It covers key findings. - Total electors before SIR: 7.89 crore - Forms submitted: 7.24 crore - Online forms filled: Over 16 lakh - Forms downloaded: Over 13 lakh - SMS sent for awareness: 5.7 crore - Acknowledgment SMS: 10.2 crore On deletions and additions, more comes later. Draft list out on August 1. Claims until September 1. No name deletes without notice. Now, look at Booth Level Agents (BLAs). They help check lists. Numbers went up by 16%. Here is a table: Party | Before SIR | After SIR | Change (%) --- | --- | --- | --- Bharatiya Janata Party | 51,964 | 53,338 | +3% Indian National Congress | 8,586 | 17,549 | +105% Rashtriya Janata Dal | 47,143 | 47,506 | +1% Janata Dal (United) | 27,931 | 36,550 | +31% Communist Party of India (Marxist) | 76 | 899 | +1083% Others (total) | 1,38,680 | 1,60,813 | +16% This table shows how parties stepped up. Congress doubled agents. It helps watch the process. For a graph, imagine a bar chart. It shows BLA changes per party. Bars for BJP in blue, short rise. Congress in green, tall bar up. CPI(M) in red, very tall. Total in black. This graph highlights opposition push. It works on mobile and computer. Use colors for highlight: blue for low change, red for high. [Image: Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav protesting in Parliament over SIR. They hold signs saying "Stop Vote Chori." Credit: Hindustan Times. Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/news/stop-sir-opposition-protest-over-bihar-electoral-roll-row-in-parliament-in-pics-101753689375847.html] This protest could shake things up. Not just in India. Around the world, people watch elections. In Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Australia, and Antarctica too, though few there. Fair votes matter everywhere. Like in the US or UK, voter lists get checked. But claims of bias hurt trust. Besides, young people care. If you are 18, check your vote. Old folks remember past polls. All ages can see why clean lists help. But not if it deletes real ones. Meanwhile, the bloc wants talks in Parliament. But no luck yet. They march instead. Sources say it's peaceful. Yet strong. For more on this, read the original story. It's from Deccan Herald: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/vote-chori-protest-300-india-bloc-mps-to-march-to-ec-office-against-sir-on-august-11-3674236 Also, stay updated with us. Visit AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW) at https://america112.com/ for global takes on Indian news. We cover it all. In addition, this links to bigger issues. Like in 2019, Kharge said bogus votes cost them. Now, they fight back. Rahul calls for clean rolls. It's key for free polls. Furthermore, Bihar SIR shows gaps. Many migrants can't fill forms easy. Online helps, but not all have net. EC sent SMS, but some miss. To wrap up, watch August 11. Will EC listen? Or more protests? It affects next polls. One more thing, for latest world news with India focus, check AMERICA NEWS WORLD at https://america112.com/. We aim for truth.](https://america112.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/deccanherald_2025-08-10_va0tirfq_PTI08082025000165A.avif)
Leave a Reply