ISLAMABAD Pakistan has prepared a list of persons with criminal background wanted by it and reported to be currently hiding in India.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar told newsmen here on Saturday that the list would be forwarded to Indian government in due course of time.

About the list of 20 provided by India, he said New Delhi has provided names and background of most of these persons. He said some cases go back as for as 1981 and Pakistan will study the information carefully.

He said extradition of these people is a complex legal and political issue. He said Pakistan will examine the cases of Indian nationals who are alleged to be in Pakistan and try to trace them. He said action would be taken as per merit of the cases.

Sattar said no country has any reason to give protection to criminals who have committed crimes in one or the other country.

(IRNA)