§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has received a response from the Pakistan Government for his request for information on the detention of Mr. Sheikh; and if it provides evidence of a link between Mr. Sheikh and the September 11 attacks. [86585]
§ Mr. Mike O'Brien[holding answer 9 December 2002]Since our request for information, we have discussed the case with the Pakistani authorities, made clear our opposition to the death penalty and requested access to Omar Sheikh and confirmation of his nationality status. We understand that Omar Sheikh is currently appealing against his conviction for his involvement in the abduction and murder of Daniel Pearl, for which he has been sentenced to death. As the legal process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment on possible linkages to other terrorist crimes.