Pearl is still alive - claim

A British-educated Pakistani militant believed responsible for the kidnapping of American journalist Daniel Pearl was arrested Tuesday and told investigators Pearl is alive, said Karachi Police Chief Tariq Jameel.

A British-educated Pakistani militant, believed to be responsible for the kidnapping of American journalist Daniel Pearl, arrested today, told investigators Pearl is alive, said Karachi Police Chief Tariq Jameel.

Pakistani police said that the next 12 hours would be "crucial" to Pearl's release.

Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh -- sometimes called "Sheikh Omar" -- told police that Pearl was alive and still in Karachi, where he disappeared on January 23, police said.