Arrested FBI agent doesn't enjoy diplomatic immunity: Pakistan

The Pakistan foreign ministry Thursday said an employee of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested this week for carrying ammunition does not enjoy diplomatic immunity.

Joel Cox was arrested Monday in the southern port city of Karachi while attempting to board a domestic flight to the capital Islamabad, after the Airport Security Force (ASF) found 15 bullets of 9 mm calibre and a pistol clip in his baggage.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman, Tasnim Aslam, told a weekly press briefing that the US had sought consular access for Cox and that had been granted, Xinhua reported.

She also confirmed that the US embassy had contacted the government about the arrest of Cox.

The US authorities said that Cox was in Pakistan for police training.

However, a police officer in Karachi said investigators had not yet confirmed the claim.

The police are investigating how a person can carry ammunition when he is in Pakistan on a visit visa, adding that Cox has failed to provide any document that allows him to keep bullets.

A local judge in Karachi has ordered Cox to remain in police custody until May 10 for questioning.

However, the district and sessions judge in Karachi Thursday accepted Cox's bail plea and ordered his release.

Cox has claimed in his bail application that the ammunition found in his baggage was not his and that he was being implicated in the case.

The devices seized from Cox's possession include a pen camera and a locator gadget.