Pak army questions four majors on extremist ties

Islamabad: Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said today that four army majors are being questioned for suspected links with Hizb--ut--Tahrir, but have not been detained. He did not provide names.

The Pakistan army says it is questioning four more officers about suspected links with a banned extremist group.

The development comes a day after the army said it detained Brig. Ali Khan for suspected ties to Hizb--ut--Tahrir, which has called for officers in the Pakistan army to oust the country's government and help establish an Islamic caliphate. Brig. Khan's family has denied he has links with any extremist group.

Western officials have long been concerned about links between Pakistani military officials and Islamist militant groups.