Lakhvi arrested before his release from jail

Islamabad: Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi was today arrested just before his release following a Pakistani court's suspension of his detention under a public security order which had evoked a strong reaction from India.

"Lakhvi has been arrested in another case," an interior ministry spokesman told PTI. However, he said the details of the case would be provided to the media later.

Lakhvi was set to be freed from the Adaila Jail Rawalpindi this morning on the order of the Islamabad High Court after he submitted Rs 1 million surety bond, but just before that the jail superintendent received an order from the government regarding his arrest in another case.

"Lakhvi was then presented before a magistrate who remanded him in custody," the official said.

Lakhvi's counsel Raja Rizwan Abbasi has protested against the government's decision.

The Islamabad High Court yesterday suspended the government's Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) under which Lakhvi was being held under detention, paving the way for his release. This had outraged India which lodged its strong protest by summoning Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit.