Pakistan steps up efforts for Rahat Ali Khan's release

Pakistan on Monday stepped up efforts for the release of noted singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who has been detained in India for possessing a large amount of undeclared foreign currency, according to media reports.

Foreign secretary Salman Bashir has contacted the Indian high commissioner in Islamabad to discuss Khan's case, Geo News channel reported.

The Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi has set up a special team to liaise with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, which has detained Khan, the channel reported.

There was no official word from the Foreign Office or the Indian High Commission on the matter.

The 37-year-old nephew of legendary Pakistani qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was detained at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday on the charge that he was carrying $1,24,000 that he had not declared.

Interior minister Rehman Malik said on Sunday night he was examining the matter and had directed Pakistan's high commissioner to India Shahid Malik to inquire about Khan's detention.

The news of Khan's detention was carried on the front pages of most Pakistani dailies and dominated bulletins on news channels.

Sourec: Hindustan Times