DUBAI — Consular access has been denied to the five Pakistani men including Dr Ayyaz Ali Khan, a known dentist and a visiting professor at the RAK College of Dental Sciences, who were taken into custody by authorities in Ras Al Khaimah on April 5. Pakistani officials also say the detained men are expected to be released soon.
According to a spokesperson from the Pakistani consulate, the men have been shifted to Abu Dhabi from RAK for further interrogation by the federal security department. The spokesperson said access was denied temporarily until preliminary investigations were being completed by the authorities. “We have been told that until the investigation is completed, we cannot meet the men,” said the spokesperson.
The spokesperson also said that it was learnt that the men would be released either today or tomorrow. “The matter is now lying with the government and we are awaiting communication from them.”
As per reports, a group of seven Pakistani men were picked up by authorities in RAK early morning on April 5.
Two of the detainees were released immediately but the remaining have been shifted to Abu Dhabi. Among those who have been picked up is Dr Ayyaz Ali Khan, a dentist and professor who visits the RAK College of Dental Sciences for specific projects. His wife, also a doctor by profession, has appealed to the Pakistani government and media as well as the online community for support to secure his release.