A foreign office spokesperson on Saturday said the arrest of two Pakistanis in Nepal was not linked to Mumbai blasts. Clarifying media reports regarding their arrest allegedly in connection with the Mumbai blasts, the spokesperson said the Pakistan mission in Kathmandu was instructed to immediately get in touch with the Nepalese foreign office to ascertain facts.
"Our mission was later contacted by Nepalese police authorities, who confirmed that arrest of two Pakistanis was in connection with an old case dating back to 2001 and that no linkage had been established with Mumbai blasts," the spokesperson said in a statement.
The foreign office also called the Nepalese Charged Affaires to make a demarche asking for consular access and release of persons.
The spokesperson further stated on Saturday, the employers of the two persons - M/s Sachal Engineering Works - that had a road construction project with the Nepalese government some years ago approached the foreign office requesting help and gave further details.
According to the company, two persons had nothing to do with the 2001 case and had visited Nepal several times for recovery of outstanding payments to the company by the Nepalese roads and works department.
The spokesperson said these persons had gone to Nepal on July 8 for the same purpose after seeking prior appointment with concerned Nepalese department and were in Nepal when they were detained.
"We are in touch with the Nepalese side through diplomatic channels in this matter," the spokesperson added.