Pakistani Ex-PM's Son Arrested On Drug Charge

Pakistani authorities have briefly arrested the son of former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on drug-related charges before releasing him on bail.

Ali Musa Gilani was arrested for his alleged role in importing ephedrine, a stimulant that is used in manufacturing Ecstasy and other illegal drugs.

Gilani, who was elected to the National Assembly lower house of parliament in February, was arrested on the steps of the Supreme Court as he was arriving for a scheduled court appearance.

The court later granted bail and said the arrest was "regretful."

In June, the court removed Yusuf Raza Gilani from office because of his refusal to reopen corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

Pakistan's textile minister, Makhdoom Shahbuddin, has also been implicated in the drug-sale scheme.

Based on reporting by dpa and BBC Urdu