ISLAMABAD, Aug 13: Pakistan has lifted a ban on hand baggage on international flights although passengers are still barred from carrying liquids, officials said on Sunday.

Air travellers around the globe faced delays and massively heightened security measures on Thursday after Britain said it had detained 24 suspects who allegedly plotted to detonate bombs on US-bound planes.

“Passengers can carry only hand baggage but not any liquid,” Hafiz Abbasi, a senior official of the Airport Security Force said.

Extra armed police had been guarding major airports in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore with passengers subject to baggage restrictions and extra screening.

At least three of those arrested were linked to Al Qaeda, security officials said. —AFP