Indian security officials have linked the Lashker-e-Taiba to the Mumbai attacks. Hours before the attacks, India has suggested during the talks between the home secretaries of the two countries in Islamabad that they should priorities action against persons for whom the Interpol had issued Red Corner Notices.

A Red Corner notice has been issued for Dawood Ibrahim, the alleged mastermind of the 1993 bombings in Mumbai that killed nearly 260 people.

Hafiz Saeed, an engineer-turned-militant ideologue, formed the Jamat-ud-Dawah after Pakistan banned the Lashker-e-Taiba. The Jamat has its headquarters at Muridke near Lahore and has stepped up its activities since Pervez Musharraf stepped down as President.

Masood Azhar, a Pakistani national, formed the Jaish-e-Mohammed after he was freed by India in exchange for passengers of an Indian Airlines flight hijacked from Kathmandu to Kandahar in 1999. Recent reports have suggested that the Jaish has stepped up its activities in Bahawalpur, where its headquarters are located.

Prime Minister Gilani has said that his government will consider taking action against Hafiz Saeed if evidence is provided against him. "Let the proof come and we'll look into it," he told a TV channel.

Asked if it would be a "goodwill gesture" if the Pakistan government arrested Hafiz Saeed, he replied: "We have assured full cooperation. Therefore the cabinet has decided for cooperation with India and a probe."