Who is Asif Merchant? The Pakistani national detained in US

A Pakistani national named Asif Merchant was reportedly charged in the United States in connection with a foiled assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.

According to a criminal complaint, the 46-year-old sought to recruit individuals in the US to carry out the plot. The attempt was allegedly in retaliation for the US killing of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' top commander, Qasem Soleimani, in 2020.

Merchant, who prosecutors allege spent time in Iran before travelling to the US, was charged with murder for hire in federal court in Brooklyn, New York. A federal judge ordered his detention on July 16, according to court records.

The Foreign Office (FO) said today that Islamabad is in touch with authorities in Washington and is awaiting further details about the charges against Merchant.

“We have seen the media reports. We are in touch with the US authorities and await further details,” said FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch in a statement.

The spokesperson also noted the statements by US officials that this is an ongoing investigation.

Media reports indicate that Merchant worked as a branch manager in a bank in Karachi in 2010. His responsibilities included managing an Asset and Liability Portfolio of over Rs1,850 million, encompassing clients from various sectors including Petroleum, Textiles, Leather, Paper Products, Chemicals, and Pharmaceuticals, as well as various Retail, Commercial, and Corporate clients.

Merchant’s resume detailed his roles in marketing new clients, reviewing and monitoring branch financials, and preparing interim and annual reviews.