ISLAMABAD, Dec 17: The European Union has raised concern about the arrest of Javed Hashmi and the way he is being subsequently treated by the government.

The Italian embassy, in its capacity as the representative mission of the EU presidency, on Wednesday issued a statement stating that the issue of Mr Hashmi was again raised with Pakistan’s foreign minister on Dec 16.

The statement said: “Javed Hashmi was one of the subjects brought up by the Heads of Mission of the EU with Khurshid Kasuri, in a meeting which took place at the residence of the Italian Ambassador, H.E. Grabriele de Ceglie, on Dec 16 .”

The heads of mission of the EU reiterated to the foreign minister their concern about the arrest of Mr Hashmi and his subsequent treatment.

It said that about two weeks ago, a letter was sent to the foreign minister by the Italian ambassador, writing on behalf of the European Union.

The letter pointed out that the EU had no intention of interfering with the administration of justice in Pakistan, since the determination whether or not any offence had been committed by Mr Javed Hashmi could only be made by the competent courts, in accordance with the Pakistani Constitution and applicable laws.