India on Friday lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over the release of 26/11 mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi from jail even as Islamabad tried to put the blame on New Delhi.
Indian envoy in Islamabad met Pakistan foreign secretary to protest Lakhvi's release.
According to MEA, Islamabad has been told that this is the most negative development in so far as bilateral ties are concerned.
Indian envoy told Pak foreign secretary that Lakhvi's release has reinforced the perception that Pakistan has a dual policy on dealing with terrorists.
"Our high commissioner has registered our strong concerns with the foreign secretary of Pakistan at the release of a principal accused in the Mumbai terrorist attack of 2008," the external affairs ministry spokesperson said.
India has found strong backing from France on the issue with President Francois Hollande calling Lakhvi's release 'shocking'.
Pakistan, meanwhile, has reacted strongly to India's charges and has instead blamed New Delhi for Lakhvi's release.
"Inordinate delay on part of India in extending cooperation complicated Lakhvi's case and weakened the prosecution," Pak foreign office said.
"We respect the judicial process and are confident that it would serve the interest of justice," it said.
Lakhvi, who guided 10 LeT gunmen from a control room during the 26/11 Mumbai attack, walked free earlier on Friday after being under detention for six years.
55-year-old Lakhvi, mastermind of the nearly 60-hour siege, was released from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi after authorities received the order from the Lahore High Court, setting free the LeT operations commander.
On Thursday, a Pakistani court had ordered his release.
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