WASHINGTON – In a significant clarification aimed at countering widespread misinformation, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has firmly stated that the man arrested in the United States with weapons and alleged written plans for an attack is not of Pakistani origin, but an Afghan national who had previously lived in Pakistan as a refugee.
According to the FO, the suspect spent several years in Pakistan only as an Afghan refugee before moving to the United States, where he has reportedly spent most of his life. The clarification came after multiple international media outlets — particularly from India and the US — falsely reported the suspect as a “Pakistani-born US citizen,” triggering unnecessary speculation and diplomatic concern.
US authorities arrested the suspect, identified as Luqman Khan, in Delaware on November 24 after police recovered a handgun, ammunition, and detailed notes allegedly outlining an attack plan. Investigators reportedly discovered references to “urban warfare,” sketches of a campus police station, and even the name of a targeted campus police officer.
A subsequent search of his residence uncovered more alarming materials, including a scoped rifle, body armour, and a handgun illegally modified with a machine-gun conversion device. The FBI has filed multiple charges, including illegal possession of a machine gun — a serious federal offence.
Pakistani officials emphasized that the spread of inaccurate information linking the suspect to Pakistan is “deeply irresponsible” and could distort global perceptions. The FO reiterated that Pakistan has no connection to the individual or the alleged plot.
The clarification has become especially important as sensationalized reporting on such incidents often shapes public opinion and diplomatic narratives. Pakistan’s stance underscores the need for accurate, evidence-based reporting — particularly in sensitive security-related cases.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.