Pakistan and China ratify extradition treaty

Pakistan and China have ratified a bilateral extradition treaty that will ensure more effective cooperation between the two countries in prevention and suppression of crimes amid the rising acts of terrorism and organised crimes across the world.
The two countries exchanged instruments of ratification of the extradition treaty, signed four years ago. Secretary Interior Syed Kamal Shah and Chinese Ambassador Zhaohui signed and exchanged the treaty ratification documents. The visiting Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi and caretaker Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan were also present on the occasion.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, the interior minister said that under the treaty both Pakistan and China would hand over prisoners and terrorists wanted by each government. The two countries, he said, will cooperate on handing over the terrorists who have become threat to their security.
The implementation of the treaty will be started from January 10, 2008, said the minister. The countries would prepare a list of persons wanted by each one, he said, adding that presently Pakistan and China have not prepared any list. Syed Kamal Shah said that Pakistan and China are brotherly countries. Pakistan will not tolerate any element to pose any threat to the security and solidarity of China.
Hamid Nawaz said that 'Bus Rally' threatened by Aitzaz Ahsan was the main hurdle in releasing the president of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). If Aitzaz gives a guarantee that he would restrict his movement and political activity only to his constituency, he could be released immediately, the minister said.
About the extradition of Balochistan Liberation Army's members by the UK, the minister said that Pakistan foreign ministry is in contact with Britain on the issue. He said that Pakistan was not having extradition treaty with the UK. There are some hurdles, which include the capital punishment. Pakistan is having the capital punishment while the UK is not. UK wants Pakistan not give capital punishment to the accused to be extradited by the UK after the treaty, the minister said.