FO responds to indictment of Pakistani national in the US

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued a statement concerning the indictment of Pakistani national Asif Merchant, who was recently arrested in the United States (US).

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed the matter, stating that the foreign office has seen media reports regarding Merchant’s arrest and is in contact with US authorities for further information.

Read more: US charges Pakistani in failed Trump assassination plot

“We are awaiting more details about the case involving Asif Merchant,” Baloch stated. “The American officials have indicated that the investigation is ongoing. We seek to verify all relevant information regarding Merchant’s background before providing an official response.”

Merchant, a Pakistani national, was indicted on charges related to an alleged conspiracy to assassinate former US President Donald Trump and other US politicians.

According to the US Department of Justice (DOJ), Merchant is accused of having connections with the Iranian government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has claimed that Merchant’s alleged targets included both current and former US government officials.

The DOJ also reported that Merchant was allegedly in contact with people posing as hired killers, who were, in fact, FBI agents.

The 46 year-old was arrested on July 12 while preparing to leave the US.

The Foreign Office has not yet provided additional details. It stated that “before giving our formal reaction, we also need to be sure of the antecedents of the individual in question.”