Stepping up pressure on Pakistan, US ambassador Wendy Chamberlin met President Pervez Musharraf and raised the issue of extradition of Sheikh Omar, prime suspect in the kidnapping and murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. "As US attorney's office in Washington prepared the groundwork to bring criminal charges against the British-born Omar, Chamberlin met Musharraf in Islamabad and raised the issue of his extradition," a US embassy spokesman said. She is reported to have emphasised the need to expedite the investigation into the case. The United States and Pakistan have no extradition treaty but US officials believe a treaty signed in 1931 by the US and local authorities in what was then part of the British empire remains valid.

It was reported that hectic negotiations were on between Washington and Islamabad for Omar's extradition. Federal prosecutors from the US attorney's office are preparing the groundwork to bring criminal charges against Sheikh in the case, it quoted officials as saying.

He said that he did not know the status of the talks, but added that Pakistan has always cooperated if there is a legal justification for the transfer of a suspect, according to the network.

Bureau Report