The Federal cabinet is likely to ratify extradition treaties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China and give permission to enter into negotiations with Tunisia on extradition pact in its meeting on Wednesday (February 2), sources close to secretary Interior told Business Recorder. Sources said that an extradition treaty was signed between Pakistan and the UAE on March 8 last year during the visit of Mohammad Nakhira Al-Dhahiri, Minister for Justice of UAE to Pakistan.

In terms of article 18 of the treaty, it was subject to ratification in accordance with constitutional procedures of the contacting parties. The agreement would enter into force 30 days after receipt of last instrument in ratification.

According to these sources, extradition treaty between Pakistan and China, which would be ratified by the cabinet, was signed in November 2003 during the visit of the Chinese President to Pakistan.

Sources said that negotiations with Tunisia were being started on the request of later as some of its fugitive offenders were hiding in Pakistan.

" Pakistan is enjoying cordial relations with Tunisia and signing of such an agreement will further cement brotherly relations, in addition to provision of a framework for surrender of offenders," sources added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005