Britain requests extradition of Briton arrested in Pakistan over terror plot

Britain has requested the extradition of Rashid Rauf, a Briton arrested in Pakistan earlier this month in connection with the alleged plot to blow up U.S.-bound jetliners, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said Monday.

Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam said Rauf — earlier identified by Pakistan as a "key person" in the plot — was being investigated for alleged links with al-Qaida, in connection with terrorist threats in Britain and in Pakistan.

Asked if the British government had sought Rauf's extradition, she told a news conference, "Yes, they have sought his extradition and the matter is under consideration."

Aiden Liddle, a spokesman for the British High Commission in Islamabad, said he could neither confirm or deny that the request had been made. He said that as a matter of policy, such requests can only be confirmed once extradition has been carried out.