Ex-Armyman held in botched NY bombing probe freed on orders from Pak 'higher-ups'

Islamabad, May 30 (ANI): Pakistan intelligence agencies have freed a former army major, who was detained in connection with the failed Times Square bombing plot.

Adnan Ahmad and his brother were among at least 11 people who were rounded up in Pakistan for suspected links with the confessed New York bomb plotter Faisal Shahzad.

Intelligence officials said that Adnan was released following orders from higher authorities.

Adnan's brother Qamar Ahmad, a computer engineer, was also detained and is still in custody.

Speaking after being released, Adnan denied any role in the May 1 botched terror plot and said that he has been cleared of all allegations.

"It was confusion. I am now back with my family. It is proof that it was just a misunderstanding. They have cleared me," The Daily Times quoted Adnan, as saying.

Earlier, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) chief General Major General Athar Abbas, for the first time, admitted that Adnan was dismissed from the military because of his ties with certain banned organisations.

"He was dismissed from service for his links with proscribed organisations," Abbas said, but denied giving any further details. (ANI)