Islamabad: An Australian arrested in Pakistan on suspicion that he had links with al-Qaida network and had received terror training in Afghanistan has been identified as Jack Thomas, a Muslim convert who changed his name to Jehad Thomas.

The 29-year-old Thomas, detained on January 4 at Karachi international airport after he had boarded a Hong Kong flight, was being held by Pakistan's military intelligence wing in the city.

The Australian has not yet been charged and Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat said that the details would be made public after authorities complete investigation.

Hayat said the man was held on suspicion that he engaged in activities which were against the interest of the state and "which could lead to certain chaotic results".

Interior Ministry spokesman identified him as Jack Thomas whose friends in Australia were quoted as saying that he converted to Islam in mid-1990s.

Australia's Attorney General Daryll Williams said, "It is alleged that he (the suspect) trained with al-Qaida in Afghanistan in May 2001 and for the last one year or so he has been in Pakistan."

The Australian High Commission has submitted a request to the Pakistani authorities for consular access, which is yet to be granted.

PTI