Dentist released after two months in custody

A Pakistani dentist was back at his family home in Lahore last night after being released from custody in the UAE in what he described as a case of mistaken identity. Dr Ayyaz Ali Khan, 58, was arrested with six others in RAK on April 5, five days after he had left Pakistan. Two of the men were released the same day, but no word emerged of Dr Khan until yesterday.

He said authorities never explained why he had been arrested, and he had no legal representation. "I think it was a case of mistaken identity," he said. Dr Khan is principal of the Islamic International Dental College, which is affiliated to Riphah International University in Pakistan. For three years he was a lecturer at the Ras al Khaimah College of Dental Science, He did not discuss the details of his incarceration, but said he was kept in a room and was questioned a number of times but never harmed.

After his release on Tuesday, he boarded a plane for Islamabad, where he was met by his family and then made the five-hour drive to Lahore. He was issued an exit visa, meaning he can return to the UAE in three month's time, a relative said. Hundreds of people including Dr Khan's former students, his relatives, friends and colleagues - celebrated his return home, greeting him with flowers, embraces and chants. Many of them held press conferences and peaceful demonstrations in Pakistan during Dr Khan's arrest, giving his case notable attention.

@Email:asafdar@thenational.ae