Pakistan claims Afghan tie to bombing plot

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Pakistani officials investigatiing the foiled aircraft bombing plot in Britain say they have uncovered links to al-Qaida in Afghanistan.

The Mail and Guardian reported Aug. 14 that Pakistani Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao told journalists that bombing suspect Rashid Rauf gave investigators "many, many clues which link this plan with Afghanistan, especially the al-Qaida of Osama bin Laden."

Following a court hearing Rauf has been remanded in custody for a further two weeks.

Rauf, a British citizen, was arrested in Pakistan last week. Both British and Pakistani intelligence agencies believe that Rauf was the mastermind behind the failed attack. Britain has begun efforts to extradite Rauf to Britain.

Afghan-Pakistani relations have become more tense recently, with Kabul charging that Pakistan does not do enough to rein in militants along the border, a charge that Islamabad strongly denies.

Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry has strongly rejected any suggestion of n Afghan connection to the aircraft bombing plot, asserting, "As the recent evidences and ongoing investigations have revealed, al-Qaida continues to enjoy safe haven outside Afghanistan."

The ministry labeled Pakistani allegations "diversionary."