Airline plot suspect faces deportation

LONDON, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- A British citizen being held in Pakistan in connection with the alleged plot to blow up trans-Atlantic airliners, could face deportation to Britain.

Pakistan Interior Minister Aftab Khan Sherpao has said that if U.K. authorities request it, his government would deport Rashid Rauf to London, even though Pakistan has no extradition treaty with Britain, Sky News reported.

Authorities said they believe Rauf is a "key person" in the airline bombing plot, with ties to an Afghanistan-based al-Qaida operative. Rauf, who is in his mid-20s, has been held in Pakistan since Aug. 9.

Rauf is believed to be undergoing interrogation by Pakistan authorities.

Earlier this week, an Islamic charity set up by Rauf's father had its accounts frozen after it was alleged that funds were going to terrorist purposes, Sky News said.