An American national, blacklisted in Pakistan since 2011 under espionage charges, was today arrested from the capital here, authorities said.
Mathew Barret arrived at Islamabad's Benazir Bhutto International airport in the morning and was granted entry by the immigration officials.
When it came to the notice of interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, he ordered arrest of the American and suspended immigration officials at the airport for negligence, according to a statement by his office.
"He (Barret) was arrested in a raid at a guest house in Islamabad and FIR lodged against him for violation of immigration laws," according to the statement.
The US has so far not responded to the arrest which may further strain the ties between the two countries.
Barrett was deported and blacklisted in 2011 after being found in the area of a sensitive installation, Interior Ministry spokesman said.
