Hashim Qadeer was arrested in July in Gujranwala in Punjab province after appearing in court about an unrelated murder case.

He was then handed over to Karachi police for questioning about his role in the murder of Pearl.

Pearl was abducted and killed in Karachi in January 2002.

If convicted, Hashim Qadeer could be sentenced to death.

British-born Omar Sheikh has already been sentenced to death, and three others to life imprisonment, for their involvement in the murder.

Qadeer is suspected of conspiracy to kidnap, Karachi police investigator Manzoor Mughal told Associated Press.