UK terror plot | 7 held in Pak

Pak intelligence agencies had tipped off their UK counterparts that resulted in averting the disaster.

At least seven persons were arrested in Karachi on Thursday in connection with a terrorist plot to blow up commercial airlines during flights from the UK to the US.

HT Image

"Arrests have been made after exchange of information between the two governments," Foreign Office Spokeswoman Tasneem Aslam said from Islamabad without elaborating where and how many arrests had been made.

Sources, however, said seven persons were arrested in Karachi.

Aslam said Pakistan intelligence agencies had tipped off their British counterparts that resulted in averting the disaster.

"The bombing plot was foiled after exchange of information between the two countries," she said.

The plot, that triggered a worldwide security alert and chaos at airports, envisaged using explosives smuggled into the planes in handbags.

The US said the plan was "suggestive" of an Al-Qaeda plot and issued its highest ever terror alert for commercial flights from Britain besides banning all liquids and gels from aircraft.

Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) declared high alert on all its international flights.

"Passengers will be allowed to board international flights only with transparent hand luggage," A PIA spokesman said.

British Police has arrested 21 people in London, Birmingham and Thames Valley overnight in an ongoing operation. Those arrested are believed to be British citizens with many of Pakistani origin.