Islamabad - Pakistan has arrested a key Egyptian al-Qaeda operative who holds a senior position within the terrorist network, a security official said on Wednesday.

The official, asking to remain anonymous, identified the suspect as Sharif Al-Misri and said his capture carried a significant reward.

"He is one of the top operators in al-Qaeda's hierarchy," said the official.

Sheikh Rashid, who is due to be sworn in as information minister later on Wednesday, confirmed to AFP that Al-Misri and another al-Qaeda suspect had been detained.

The security official said the pair were arrested on Sunday in Quetta, the capital of south-western Baluchistan province which borders Afghanistan and Iran. - Sapa-AFP