Pakistan denies links to Tahawwur Rana, calls him Canadian amid extradition to India

Pakistan has distanced itself from Tahawwur Rana, one of the accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, asserting that he holds Canadian nationality. Rana is currently being extradited to India, where the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is set to take him into custody upon arrival.

Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the United States for aiding Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the proscribed terror organization responsible for the coordinated attacks in Mumbai that left more than 174 people dead. His involvement included providing material support to LeT operatives.

In response to media queries about Rana’s extradition to India, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, stated, “Tahawwur Rana has not renewed his Pakistani documents for over two decades. His Canadian nationality is very clear.” Although Pakistan allows dual citizenship for those who have migrated to Canada, the government has made it clear it no longer recognizes Rana as a Pakistani citizen.

The U.S. Secretary of State signed the surrender warrant approving Rana’s extradition to Indian authorities on February 11. However, Rana’s legal team filed an emergency stay motion challenging the decision. On April 7, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the petition, clearing the path for his extradition.

India has long pursued Rana’s extradition, with the case gaining renewed momentum following the recent U.S. court decision. According to the NIA, the agency registered a case on November 11, 2009, under various Indian laws related to terrorism and conspiracy.

The NIA clarified, “As per the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs order No. 11034/10/ 2009-IS.VI dated 11/11/ 2009 National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case on 11/11/2009 at NIA Police Station, New Delhi as Case RC-04/2009/NIA/DLI under sections 121A of IPC, Section 18 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section 6(2) SAARC Convention (Suppression of Terrorism) Act against 1) David Coleman Headley @ Daood Gilani (US Citizen), 2) Tahawwur Hussain Rana (Canadian citizen) and others.”

The agency added that both Rana and Headley had been taken into custody by U.S. law enforcement in connection with this case. “NIA sent Extradition Requests to USA for extradition of accused persons David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Hussain Rana, which are still pending for execution by the authorities of USA. A letter Rogatory (letter of request for assistance in investigation) has been furnished to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and a reply is awaited from them,” the NIA noted.

“After completion of investigation, charge sheet has been filed in the Court of Hon'ble Special Judge, NIA, Patiala House, New Delhi on December 24, 2011 against all 9 accused persons under sections 120 B, read with 121, 121A, 302, 468 and 471 Indian Penal Code and sections 16,18 & 20 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,” the statement added.

Rana’s extradition is seen as a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to deliver justice to the victims and families affected by the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.