Govt in contact with Pakistanis detained in Spain: FM
'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Tuesday that the government was in contact with the Pakistanis detained by Spanish security agencies on suspicion of their involvement in terrorist activities.

Speaking on a Calling Attention Notice in Senate, the foreign minister said Spanish security agencies arrested twelve Pakistanis, adding that nine of them were found guilty of having some time devices and explosive-related material in their custody while rest of the three were found innocent and later released.

He said detained Pakistanis were already wanted by the law enforcement agencies on the suspicion of their involvement in terrorist activities.

Minister said the ministry as well as the embassy was well aware of the incident and are in constant touch with the Spanish Government and the families of the arrested Pakistanis.

“We have arranged counsels for them. They were produced before court and their trial would commence shortly,” the foreign minister said.

He informed the House that the ministry has arranged detailed interaction with detained Pakistani and were also given chance to contact their families.

He assured that the government would make all its efforts to provide legal aid to the Pakistanis under detention and prayed that they are cleared of charges of terrorism.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he has no knowledge about the date of their next hearing, however, he added that their trial would commence within few months.

The Foreign Minister told the House that after September 11 tragedy, countries have intensified their rules and regulations and may detain for anyone on suspicion of terrorism.

However, he also admitted that sometime, the innocent people also become prey of such rules.●