Pak issues demarche over suspects’ remand

Reacting to the arrests of 28 Pakistani nationals, Pakistan today summoned the Italian ambassador to protest the media’s treatment of 28 Pakistanis detained in Naples on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack. The Foreign Ministry said it had ‘‘made out a strong demarche’’ to Ambassador Angelo Gabriele de Ceglie.

An Italian prosecutor today extended the custody of 28 Pakistanis who were detained in Naples on suspected terrorist charges after explosives were found in their home. Deputy Public Prosecutor Franco Roberti said there was ‘‘serious evidence’’ to keep them in custody after being questioned.

US extends registration period for Pakistanis

WASHINGTON: The Bush administration has agreed to extend registration period for Pakistanis for 30 to 40 days to avoid large-scale deportation. An official announcement is soon expected, US sources told the Dawn. Those who had applied for adjustment of their status under a general amnesty offered by the Clinton administration would also be accommodated. Under this category; those who applied for labour certification and their cases are still in the Labour Department and those whose cases are now with the INS. Story continues below this ad Those in the Labour Dept will not be ordered to leave the country. Those who have already been certified by the Labour Department and their cases are now with the INS will not face deportation proceedings. (Agencies)

Anti-terrorist police were to pursue their search of the building today, four days after the suspects were detained in Naples in a routine check and accused of ‘‘criminal conspiracy for terrorist ends’’. Half of the suspects, aged 20 to 48, have no legal residence papers.

Bomb squads with specially trained dogs and infra-red detection equipment combed the building in Naples, where they seized the explosive material overnight on Thursday.