Update: Top US military commander meets Pakistani leaders as Zardari says Islamabad not responsible for Mumbai attack

President Asif Ali Zardari said Tuesday that Pakistan was not involved in the lethal attacks on Mumbai last week.

"I think these are stateless actors who have been operating all throughout the region," Zardari said on U.S. based television channel in an interview aired Tuesday night. "The gunmen plus the planners, whoever they are stateless actors who have been holding hostage the whole world."

President Asif Ali Zardari informed that it was wrong to put blame on Pakistan as the person arrested has no connection with Pakistan and he does not posses Pakistani nationality.

Indian officials have publicly blamed Pakistani militants for the attacks, and called on Pakistan to hand over a group of wanted militant leaders suspected of plotting them. On Tuesday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi proposed a joint investigation into the attacks and said, "This is not the time to point fingers."

Zardari confirmed he is willing to have Pakistani security officials participate with India in a joint investigation.

"The state of Pakistan is in no way responsible," he told media "Even the White House and the American CIA have said that today. The state of Pakistan is, of course, not involved. We’re part of the victims. I’m a victim. The state of Pakistan is a victim. We are the victims of this war, and I am sorry for the Indians, and I feel sorry for them."

The head of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen arrived here Wednesday whereas U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice due tomorrow on a short visit.

According to diplomatic sources, Mullan's who reached Islamabad on Wednesday afternoon would likely meet with military leadership.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would reach Pakistan on Thursday on a short visit. He would exchange views with Pakistani leadership on ongoing efforts for reducing tension between Pakistan and India.