QUETTA, Aug 23: Iran has asked Pakistan to hand over 16 suspects arrested for kidnapping 21 Iranian nationals in the Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran a few days ago.

The inspector-general of the Frontier Corps, Maj-Gen Saleem Nawaz, said this while talking to journalists at the FC headquarters after handing over the freed Iranian nationals to the Iranian authorities on Wednesday.

Deputy Governor of Sistan-Baluchestan Mohsin Siddique, Iranian Consul-General Ali Arian Nejad, Balochistan Inspector-General of Police Tariq Masood Khosa and other senior officers were present.

Maj-Gen Nawaz said the foreign ministry would take a decision on the request of the Iranian government on the basis of an accord with Tehran on the exchange of criminals. “We have informed the Iranian authorities that the foreign ministry will decide about it.”

He said Pakistan would not allow criminal activities from its territory in neighbouring countries and was taking strict action against elements involved in the kidnapping of the Iranians. “Pakistan will not allow anyone to use its soil against its neighbouring countries and will also not provide shelter to such elements.”

In reply to a question, he denied the arrest of Abdul Malik Reki, head of the Jundullah organisation, along with the 16 people involved in the kidnapping of the Iranians.

It was not known if the arrested people — both Pakistani and Iranian nationals — were linked to some organisation. After completing interrogation, they would be produced in the court, he said.

Mohsin Siddique thanked the Pakistan government and security forces for freeing the Iranian hostages. “Pakistan and Iran enjoy cordial relations and this successful operation will strengthen these ties,” Mr Siddique said, adding that nobody would be allowed to harm Iran-Pakistan relations.