Pakistan wants more Mumbai attack evidence

Pakistan's weak civilian government is under intense international pressure to prosecute those linked to the November attacks that killed 164 people, but is having to fend off powerful domestic critics who do not want to see it cooperate with a neighbor with which it has fought three wars in 60 years.

Pakistani officials on condition of anonymity have said previously that at least two main suspects in the attacks have been arrested. In addition, the country say it has arrested scores more people involved with the anti-India militant group blamed for the attacks and a charity alleged linked to it.

In a statement, the defense committee of the Cabinet did not refer to those arrests but said that the attacks themselves should be registered as a crime with police. This is a formal step needed to initiate criminal proceedings against any suspects but one that in itself does not guarantee a trial will take place.

The committee also noted that "without substantial evidence from India it will be excessively difficult to complete the investigation and proceed with the case." It said it would soon give a list of questions to Indian authorities regarding the probe.