FIA arrests fugitive wanted by UK since 1995
Mohammad Basharat was wanted for murder by the UK authorities since 1995. PHOTO: FIA
Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) anti-human trafficking circle (AHTC) arrested a fugitive in Rawalpindi on Monday wanted by the United Kingdom since 1995.
According to details, Mohammad Basharat was wanted by the British authorities for a murder he allegedly committed three decades ago.
The FIA officials said that the suspect had murdered an Asian citizen in 1995 in Wales. Later, he fled to Pakistan, prompting UK authorities to declare him an absconder.
FIA additional director Zubair Ahmed Sheikh said that the suspect had changed his identity to Zameer Ali after reaching Pakistan.
Read more: Pakistani man extradited to UK, charged with wife's murder 20 years ago
Zubair said that the arrest was made possible due to close collaboration between UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) and FIA, adding that the successful operation proves the excellent relationship between the two agencies.
Earlier this year, Pakistan and the United Kingdom had agreed to finalise and sign at the earliest agreements for the repatriation of convicted citizens and criminals.
The understanding was reached at a meeting between the then interior minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and UK High Commissioner Christian Turner in Islamabad.
Also read: In rare handover, Pakistani double murder suspect extradited to UK
The two sides were also of the view that bilateral agreements would further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
The deal will allow Pakistan and the UK to repatriate their convicted criminals. However, it will only allow the repatriation of citizens sentenced by relevant courts.