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US ratchets up pressure for Davis’ release
Several Pakistan-US bilateral engagements put off; Munter meets Zardari to convey Clinton’s message.
Several Pakistan-US bilateral engagements put off; Munter meets Zardari to convey Clinton’s message.
ISLAMABAD: The United States has put on hold several bilateral engagements with Pakistan in the latest move to pressure Islamabad to release its citizen Raymond Davis, who is facing charges for killing two Pakistanis in Lahore last month.
The incident has strained relations between the two countries, as the US postponed bilateral visits, including a scheduled trip by its Deputy Secretary of Treasury Neal Wolin to Pakistan. “The visit of the US deputy secretary of treasury has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances,” said a Foreign Office official quoting diplomatic correspondence from Washington.
The official, requesting not to be identified, said the visit was delayed due to the ‘standoff’ between the two countries on the Davis issue.
“US officials are not ready to discuss anything other than the American national’s release at this stage,” he added.
When approached, the US embassy spokesperson promised to get back on the development but she never did.
Sources in the Foreign Office say several other visits by US congressional delegations are also in jeopardy due to the standoff between the two countries over the Lahore shooting.
The sources say that the Obama administration has even indicated that it may delay the forthcoming trilateral meeting among Pakistan, the US and Afghanistan in Washington later this month to discuss the Afghan endgame and the way forward.
There are reports that Pakistan’s Ambassador in Washington Hussain Haqqani has been called to the US State Department twice last week to convey to him the possible consequences of non-obligation of international laws by Islamabad on the Davis controversy.
The sources say that the US has limited its contacts with the Pakistani mission in Washington.
On the other hand, the government is still tight-lipped on the issue. “I am sorry, I don’t have anything to share with you on the Lahore shooting incident,” said presidential spokesperson Farhatullah Babar. He, nevertheless, tried to downplay the matter, saying the issue will be resolved.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador Cameron Munter called on President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad on Monday evening to convey a message from Secretary Clinton to immediately release Davis.
The message says Pakistan should respect the international laws and keep in mind that Davis has diplomatic immunity as he is a member of the administrative and technical staff of the mission, according to sources.
“Though we regret the loss of lives in the tragic incident, we believe our citizen cannot be tried in Pakistan for any criminal offence,” the message adds. “The US has no intention of waiving off the immunity that gives cover to Davis.”
Ambassador Munter is said to have refused to give an assurance to President Zardari on trying Davis in a US court.
The president told the ambassador about the public pressure on the issue, citing street protests and the suicide of Shumaila, widow of Faheem, one of the two men killed in the Lahore shooting.
The president denied any pressure from the military or involvement of the intelligence agencies in the case. But he said Davis’ movements and his activities and the material recovered from him provide enough room to investigate the case and question him.
A press release from the presidential spokesperson says that “Pakistan-US bilateral relations were discussed in the meeting.”
Ambassador Munter also had meetings at the Foreign Office where he expressed his country’s concern over the prosecution of Davis in Pakistani court. The Foreign Office spokesperson refused to comment on the case and especially on the possible action to be taken on the status to Davis.
Victims’ identity: Intelligence officials refute claim
Intelligence officials have contradicted a report published in The Express Tribune, which alleged that the two motorcyclists killed by Raymond Davis in Lahore were intelligence operatives.
The report had claimed that the death of the intelligence personnel was the reason behind the government’s reluctance to free Davis and that it was in retaliation to the summoning of a top ISI official by a US court.
The official regretted that such “speculative reporting”, appearing on the front page of a major newspaper on such a sensitive matter, which was sub judice and “detrimental to the security interests of Pakistan”, was published without any confirmation from the concerned quarters.
The official vehemently denied that there was any linkage whatsoever between the US court’s summon and the Lahore incident.
The intelligence agency reserves the right to initiate legal action against The Express Tribune, said the official.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2011.
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Reader Comments (83)
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Sure enough. They are doing what is right for them, now boys you do what is right for Pakistan, try him under local law. For a change resist the pressure, stand up and face the demon primarily the one inside you.Recommend
Nothing to worry!
China will save Pakistan! China will donate us $11 billion. China will give us free arms, F-16s, missiles, drones! China will give us hundreds of millions during floods, earthquakes, natural disasters!
Long Live China!Recommend
US has repeatedly insisted that Raymond Davis who is being “ILLEGALLY DETAINED” should be set free. US is absolutely right in stating that Pakistan is holding a US diplomat who killed in self defense.Raymond Davis has “FULL DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY”. Under the Vienna Convention and Pakistani domestic law, he is entitled to full CRIMINAL IMMUNITY and cannot be lawfully arrested or detained. Pakistan should obey International law and release him immediately and put an end to this unfortunate controversy.Recommend
This is the height of imperial arrogance. How can US put such immoral pressure on a sovereign nation to release a person clearly involved in the killing of its two citizens? It is clear that this person was not covered by diplomatic immunity– in any case, diplomatic immunity doesn’t mean you can go around shooting people. It must surely be imperial immunity! This is what happens when you mortgage your country to foreign powers. It is pathetic to see Pakistani government being so spineless. If they can’t stand bravely against America’s immoral and unreasonable demands, how can they protect the interests if their nation? America has wrapped itself around Pakistan in a death embrace, and seems determined to splice the country apart. Pakistanis must really look into who is getting US money — is it going to the people or to the coffers of elite who represent American interests in Pakistan? The best would be to oppose receiving this money, which has bound Pakistan into illogical and self-destructive ties to the US. Pakistan as two enemies — the Islamists and those supposedly secularists who believe America is their saviour.Recommend
It is only the Obama Administration which is standing behind American Taliban Raymond Davis and not a single American has come out on the street in US chanting slogans in favour of Raymond Davis, whereas, people of Pakistan have come out on the streets and stand behind the people who were shot by Raymond Davis, as well as behind the third person who was killed when Raymond Davis was fleeing from the scene.
People of Pakistan have also taken strong exception on the unfortunate death occurred due to committing suicide by Shumaila, the late widow of one of the deceased’s. Though Government of Pakistan is facing a catch 22 situation and for the time being cannot please their masters on several calls, the core reason is that Raymond Davis case may become the main reason for the people of Pakistan to come out on the streets like Tunis and Egypt.
If the two people who were shot dead were not intelligence operative than who were they? Why government of Pakistan has not as yet published details available in their CNIC’s and the data stored in NADRA’S data base.
While Raymond Davis is claiming that he shot dead two people in self defence, it is yet to establish that what sort of threat he was facing when he was driving the car without local security protocol, (if he is a diplomatic staff) and what he was doing on the streets of Lahore taking photographs of various mosques and shrines.
Raymond Davis sneaked in Pakistan to implement his nefarious agenda, as every American diplomat is doing, which is the basic job of under cover Special Agents to gather intelligence and then send the feed back to CIA in Washington DC.
It is due to unnecessary support of Musharraf regime and the present government that uncounted Americans are coming to Pakistan and our Ministry of Interior gives them blanket security clearance without investigating the credentials of US nationals.
There is no question to release Raymond Davis as he is the killer and murderer of three people directly and caused the death of the widow of one of the deceased’s person. Raymond Davis should be tried in Pakistani court of law and should be given exemplary punishment which may lead to capital punishment, so that no other American should ever think to act in the same manner as Raymond Davis has acted on Pakistan’s soil.
On one hand US government is killing innocent people through drone attacks and on the other hand now the American Taliban has started openly killing the innocent citizens of Pakistan and claiming diplomatic immunity.Recommend
OMG So much pressure, hey ole US of A, what about our citizen Dr. Afia … any updates on that one … Hypocrite People !Recommend
pak should resiprocate.. halt all operations in fata and declare a ceasefire until further notice.. limit us personal movements in pak.. maybe nato supplies can also be targeted..if the us was really giving aid to pak.. it wouldn’t be in such a state.Recommend
Blackmailers!Recommend
bas paise khatam hone ke der hai fir khairat lene pahuch jaayenge. Bhikhari kahikeRecommend
This is what we call ‘chori or sena zori’. The very attitude shows that Davis is guilty of a crime, for which, he does not have immunity under any law including International. USA reluctance to even put him to trial in US court is further proof that even US court is likely to punish him for the cold blooded murders.Recommend
A Lesson To Pakistan : The USA is not ready to stand any where until the US Citizen is released.
And what about Pakistan, we can give you Millions of Pakistani like Aafia, to satisfy your hunger.
Regards,
ShakilRecommend
@Nael: Agreed. About time that we declare that we Pakistanis are not spinelessRecommend
I hope now the Pakistanis understand the anguish and pain felt by the Indians after the mumbai mayhem. The situations are no different. Kasab is an ISI aided operator and Davis is a CIA/Blackwater operator. In both cases common citizens became victims. If the anguish and pain felt by the Pakistanis are worth any salt, they must pressurize their govt to bring the mumbai mayhem planners and killers to justice. Like the Pakistanis are screaming now, Indians are screaming for the last 2 years but to no avial What a double standard. Your feelings about Americans are the exactly the same as our feelings about you on these 2 incidents.Recommend
What one could say…no one in whole europe knows this incident and if this guy would have been killed….then whole world will come up….there is no human and no human rights…there is only american rights…no one presented this case in any part of the world in true way…Please someone dare to ask this question to Mr Munter..Is this illicit? some one kills some one and ran away…other car also belongs to ur embassy please give us info…Are they helping in investigation…by the way its not their fault its our traitor who make this happen…our presient and whole cabinet…all are traitors…there is no word to explain ur deeds…shame on you…..Recommend
The day the US Stops AID to Pakistan, that very same day, its debt will be junk grade and all sources of external funding will dry up. Pakistan will be listed as a defaulter and with no source of cash to pay its civil servants and military, we are heading for a complete collapse of the Pakistani regime. It is advisable that for the sake of Pakistan, we release Davis asap. Its important to read the writing on the wall and not be fooled by rhetoric. If the US lets Pakistan collapse, China or any other country will never dare to throw good money against bad. Whatever debt would be issued even if China is willing to pick it up, will be junk grade, with very high interest rates and that too will not be serviceable considering the fact that it will be highly illiquid.Recommend
Any way. Government is going to release the prisoner. Why the drama.Recommend
Will someone find out if he is really a diplomat, and who on earth is he anyway. If he’s not a credited embassy diplomat, I say hang him.Recommend
Either keep him arrested and bear the burden of starving-Pakistanis. Or release him and let the dollars doling. Choice is yours!Recommend
We should sustain the pressure once for all. And if not this time, we will never be able to stand up. Let’s keep some amount of dignity because we (the citizens of Pakistan) have not sold ourselves to USA.Recommend
@aiyaz buukhari:
Please be brave. Face adversity and you will become a better man.
This was going to happen under one pretext or another. US is withrawing from Afghanistan and needs to cut its ties with Pakistan just as they did on past occasions. We did not die before and neither will we die now. Turkey defaulted in the 1970s and 1980s and today it is the 15 largest economy in the world, bigger than all Arab countires combined. Look at Tunisia and Egypt. They too are on a path of independence and freedom. So will we be. We should get rid of all politicians and make the army a conscript army, like the Turkish and the Israeli. It should be a peoples army with generals coming from the people. Not sell out generals like Musharraf and Zia. Kayani may be a better man than the lot of them.
If the West cuts us off we should refuse to pay their loans, including those of the IMF. That amounts to $70 billion and nearly $5 billion in annual interest. Pakistan will rise again not being dependent on any country. So be ready to serve your nation and be prepared to make personal sacrifices. Britain stood alone against Hitler and the Wehrmacht in the 1940s and lived to see Victory, So shall we. So shall we.Recommend
Pakistan will have to release DAVIES tomorrow if not today. Taking this an opportunity, we must TRADE-IN him with Dr. Afia Siddiqi. But before releasing him, families of the deceased must be consulted and with their conscent and after receiving Blood money, this action be taken.Recommend
@ F Robinson
There are lot to think, if we talk about Vienna Convention. “The diplomatic commission is bound to respect and abide with LOCAL Laws, if they want to operate in the respective country”.Recommend
Right thing as a response is simply stopping any and all Nato supplies and let’s see who holds up the pressure and how longRecommend
Its ironic the way US keeps quoting this as a tragic incident a tragic incident according to my understanding is an accident a word which cannot be used if someone shoots two guys in the back in broad day light … If GOP gives way to the US pressure the consequences will be direRecommend
When was the last time Hussain Haqani ( Pakistan’s Ambassador to USA) meet President Obama?.
Our President needs to respect and follow the protocol.Recommend
@vasan:
Kasab has nothing to do with ISI… your own diplomats have admitted that ISI has no link in terror activities in India. Not to mention Rahul Gandhi’s statements that hindu-terrorists are a bigger threat to India than anyone else.
RSS/BJP were sworn enemies of the ATS Chief Hemant Karkare, who was killed 5 minutes into the attack on Mumbai? Why would ISI kill him when he was in fact trying RSS terrorists.
It has also been proven through history that whenever India has blamed Pakistan/ISI for any terrorist activities, it has been proven wrong… for example the Samjhota Express and other mosque/shrine bombings which were blamed on ISI and now your own Hindu-terrorists/ RSS has admitted to carrying them out.
Indians need to get out of the habit of blaming Pakistan for their problems… you have home-grown terrorists and you need to take action against them. It is absolutely impossible for Pakistanis to infiltrate India, through a boat (even the idea is laughable, when you capture and jail thousands of fishermen for crossing into Indian seas… how did this one boat survive all those radars, etc)… pls stop making up stories.
India will probably blame ISI even when its PM/President sneezes…
Hilarious.
@aiyaz…
No one is going to die and starve off hunger if Americans stop their dollars. In fact, Americans will die and starve and beg us if we stop their/Nato supplies into Afghanistan. We are in a much stronger position than you think we are in.
What a pessimistic bigot!Recommend
Bekar ka drama…We know Pakistani “Gairat” will not stand against free dollarRecommend
The US cannot accept that one of her agents is in prison.This man is clearley a CIA agent who was caught on action and probably something went wrong.From what i have read its obvious that this case has nothing to do with robbery.I am glad to see that Pakistan so far has resisted the bullying by the US and hopefully this man will be tried in Pakistan and justice will be delivered for the death of four people.As far as the Vienna Convention is concerned, i have to say that includes not only priveliges and immunities to the diplomats assigned to a foreign nation but also obligations the most important of which is to respectlocal laws and not to meddle in the domestic affairs of the host nation.Does the US respects these provisions?I am afraid that the US does not respect those rules not only in Pakistan but everywhere in the world.So i do not have any sympathy for the US demands.Recommend
this is rubbish man.. whatever immunity their men’s have can they shoot those just like street dogs.. what about the human rights commision and the UN doing there. now it’s very clear whatever US does is for their defense and for others they are illegal and mark them as terrorist… is there no one in this world to question them.. now i understood why jihadis form…Recommend
This is great opportunity for all Pakistanis and Specially for our disabled Government to pave their marks ….I m not against American or west but certainly i m against their biased double standard policies.. God has shown us a ray of hope in such a triumph and we should grab this opportunity with hands wide open…
If they want to put sanctions on us we shouldn’t be bother, if they want to derail our economy which is next to nothing we shouldn’t be bother because we being a Pakistani now all should stand tall to these Hypocrites to bring back the dignity and integrity of this country..
Start supporting ur Army and government , stand by them and get ur self tighten up to face any challenge and hurdles that will bump into ur way of Glory …
GOD bless Pakistan…
Pakistan hai to hum hainRecommend
lets see who will blink first, US or the Pakis.
I have already grabbed the popcorn and the best seats in the house :)Recommend
Davis will end up being released. Why? Because the government of Pakistan and the military both depend on foreign aid from America and multilateral donors. We dont have enough money to pay for anything beyond our debt obligations and military expenses. As long as the people of Pakistan are more concerned with not paying their taxes, electricity and gas bills, as long as we remain in a financial hole, dont expect anyone to express Pakistani “sovereignty” Everyone seems to have grown a spine now that an American is under arrest, but are mostly silent when most of the government is financed by foreign aid.Recommend
I believe this is the moment to get rid of the Americans. Show them some mettle , stop their supplies through Torkham and Chamman and they will come begging to you. What we need is a good leader , a Statesman.Recommend
@F Robinson:
A security contractor having diplomatic immunity. BTW uis his real name Raymond Davis? if not (and I dont think thats his real name) its a casee of forgery and all immunity goes out the window. THree people are dead. circumstances are unclear and there are no witnesses to the alleged robbery. of course there is the small matter of 14 shots in the back. wow nice shooting for a diplomat. shut down both supply lines to Afghanistan for a couple of weeks and they’ll give us the other three men on a platter themselves.Recommend
A foreigner come to Pakistan, shoots few Pakistan nationals and declares that I am a diplomat. But by his activities, papers, visa etc he is not coming through diplomatic channels but proves to be working for diplomats. In such circumstances why other apologizing approach is not being adopted rather diplomatic immunity.Recommend
What really surprises me that the Asma Jahangirs, Hoodbhoys, civil societies of the this world – the so called thekedaars of liblerlism , justice and human rights – are tight lipped on this matter.
Cut the supply lines and let ‘em rot! Pak can’t get a better chance to let itself off the Crook’s hook!Recommend
Where are the Human rights of those who were killed on the street? How Dr. Afia Saddiqi ended up in Bagram Jail? She was abducted and transported to Afghanistan and from there why she was flown to US? She got 86 years for just picking up the gun to shoot some so called US soldier though she never fired, the whole case was fabricated. Where is her right? I think this criminal DAVIS must be tried through legal means and be given punishment he deserves. By the way, what US did to got his two Spies free from Iran who are under trial there?Recommend
The trial of Raymond Davis should be conducted under the law within Pakistani premises/jurisdiction and whenever the trial reach on verdict he should be sentenced whatever the cost it will be. USA setup Dr.Afia Siddiqui and frame her on their own way without indiscrimination of UN law which they refer now. They kept her illegally at Guantanamo Bay and tortured with 3rd & 4th degree inhumanly. If they sanction our ties which are actually jeopardize their reservations for eastern hemisphere which are absolutely against “NWO Conspiray Theory”Recommend
I think Pakistan should let Zaid Hamid handle this situation.
–Zaid Hamid FanRecommend
Adeel Ahmed: Keep laughing and enjoying the attacks as jokes. You will be the loser and not India. I guess you have already started losing.Recommend
We know that the civilian government does not have the courage to stand up to the Americans. Let us see if the COAS will step in. Davis should at least serve a few months in jail before being released. Even if he is not charged with murder, he should be charged for using excessive force.Recommend
ROBINSON
If you read it… then please reply where is other car and other killers….Is nay diplomat has right to carry illegal weapon….Is any diplomat has right to stay quiet and not helping the investigation agncies…Is any diplomat could fire in such a professional way…Why your consualte is reluctant to give his data on the very first day…….where is the opther car who killed other guy…are they also diplomat…what all these diplomats were doing togather…Is this logical… please answer me ROBINSON…or anyone could answer me….if he could….ask hilaary about them…
VASAN: please man this not a star plus drama…u bend everything towards urself…discuss about this issue….
this is only because we got traitors in ruling class rest no one can harm us…Stop aid and see the difference…u will live up…rather dieing everyday….Recommend
They will try him and then they will find him innocent. They will find the riders guilty. Nothing will happen! When it should….if the court release davis then expect a revolt.
I AM TELLING YOURecommend
Pakistan and America don’t abide by international laws thats why in 2001 Pakistan hander over the Ambassador of Afghanistan to America against any laws on the request of America. If there were no immunity for ambassadors in Pakistan, why you Americans are calling for immunity for small diplomats. Further where were the international laws when America attacked Iraq.
Taliban are killing you in Afghanistan and Pakistani Courts will kill you through legal provisions, why you are really afraid of Pakistan Courts, if you are on the right? why your Local CIA chief for Pakistan escape from Pakistan, when the matter of Drones comes to Court of Law.
What international laws allows drone attacks in any country.Recommend
Pakistan has got functional courts, government of Pakistan need to function under the laws of the land and courts will decide the matter fairly, considering all the immunity, self defense, using illegal weapon and crushing a innocent person.Recommend
@vasan:
my dear neighbour, your people made one very grave mistake in this operation bombay, they labelled the lone survivor of this commando attack, the so-called kasab, as a punjabi!
This guy is 1000000000% a non-punjabi. We have tested his voice samples from you tube, such an accent is non-existent in pakistan. Moreover he makes mistakes with gender which is absolutely nonsense. And he is not a muslim. So please stop this finger pointing and start thinking with your own head.Recommend
@Zazi:
I think you need to understand that there is a difference between being brave and stupid or else brave and wise. There is a time for bravery, not that you pull out your daggers at the drop of a hat to show your bravery. Just sit with a cool head and think. Is Davis or the 2 guys he killed more important than Pakistan. Before we get drawn into this wave of emotion, has anyone even bothered to ascertain the role being played by Davis and the 2 guys. For all we may know, it may be a spy fight between the Americans and us. Is it worth sacrificing pakistan for the sake of 3 guys.
Care to look at the bigger picture. Baluchistan is already on fire. Karachi is burning. Kashmir, frontier and FATA are completely lawless. Given this situation, if we dont even have the cash to pay our civil servants and military generals, what stops these guys from turning rogue and against the state. Have you even factored that a common man will respect the state only until the state gives it the right to live. If that is under question, we will see whats happening in Egypt. Have you factored that without the cash, Baluchistan uprising will pick up momentum. We will have no means of getting them on our side.
I leave the rest to you. I believe it is unwise in giving up Pakistan for the sake of 3 chaps. We must do as the Americans say; just so that we can remain afloat.Recommend
@Adeel Ahmed:
I do not have the inclination to indoctrinate you out of rhetoric and into santiy. What i have said is what is going to happen. Countries are by fools which let them disintegrate at the drop of a hat. For the sake of Pakistan the guy will have to be released and read this “HE WILL BE RELEASED”. and our “CASH LINES WILL BE KEPT OPEN”Recommend
God Bless Pakistan..Recommend
@Bunny…..the pain which you are feeling now..We Indians are feeling that for last 2 yrs.Two Pakistani got killed by US diplomat,entire country is acting as if tomorrow they will wipe out US…think about us,we got 160+ of out nationals killed by militants sent by you…Recommend
@ Adeel Ahmed
It is absolutely impossible for Pakistanis to infiltrate India, through a boat (even the idea is laughable
Truth is always bitter, check the following link to understand how those terrorists reached mumbai through sea.
http://www.propublica.org/article/pakistan-and-the-mumbai-attacks-the-untold-storyRecommend
@F Robinson:
“America is the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between!” — Oscar WildeRecommend
@ Everyone
I apologize to you all for deviating from the topic. I was forced to do it,Recommend
@F .ROBINSON
lets suppose he acted in self defence.but he wsnot allowed to shoot them because the law says that force of equal proportion has to be applied ……..when they did not shoot him than y did he do soRecommend
@Nael:
Go ahead. We will just take $1.5 billion and the other $4 billion in the pipeline of the table. You can rattle empty cans all you want.Recommend
Express Tribune needs to filter out comments by Indians who say the same thing every time.Recommend
@Aiyaz buukhari
Sorry dont agree with your views….
We have to make final decision. Either we should live life of beggars or we should struggle for life of integrity and self respect. We should unite and take it serious. Otherwise the day is not far when our loved ones face same.Recommend
My dear Pakistanis; Irrespective of the discussion of this case or the mumbai attacks, here is one suggestion. Get out of the Aid from America syndrome, esp the budgetary support(Aid for calamities is a different issue). that is addictive. If u forego the aid, you will know what a hardship is and you will also know how to come out of it. Once you come out, (may take a few years), no one will wag their tail at you. You may be a bit poorer, but you can live with dignity and self respect. The hardship you endure is for once, but under aid, it becomes permanent,.Will the army and political leadership of Pakistan do it. Will the public push them to do it.
And guys, come out of the denialist mode as far as the mumbai mayhem is concerned. There are enough respected newspapers like Dawn and others who have nailed the origins of Kasab and the govt of Pakistan has conceded that the attack originated from karachi via the dingeys and has a few people under investigation.Throwing tantrums on this issue doesnt gel well at all. World is not flat nor the planets revolve around the earth. Mumbai attack did originate from Pakistan and executed by Pakistanis, whether you accept or not. PERIOD.Recommend
Its amazing the delusions some of us have! Beggars cant be choosers! We cant have “equal” relationship with amrika………………………………………………………………………………………………………………because……………………WE ARE NOT EQUAL!!!. We r an almost failed nation who survives on foreign dole out and remmitance send by ex-pat like me and others! If any one of these source of funding stops..WELLCOME TO SOMALIA!Recommend
http://world-news.newsvine.com/_news/2011/01/29/5946316-us-demands-release-of-diplomat-who-killed-2
Read their comments, and think before you lick their bootsRecommend
Reading 50 odd comments posted before mine makes me laugh. There is more emotion in the comments then knowledge of reality of relationship. Emotions do not matter in inter-state relationship. Like someone wrote China will bail us out. Will China annoy USA for us and lose a annual trade relationship of 366 billion with 220 billion in China’s favour (2010 figure) not to mention the billions that US and China have invested in in each other businesses. China sales to Walmart are more then Pakistan’s budget. Why will China harm it’s own business for us. Our Army, Air Force and Navy depends on American arms. After 1965 war USA stopped supplues and our forces paid very dearly for that in later years.
For those who say stop Nato supplies to go though Torkham and Chaman
. and USA will face problem I have some news. Russia, and Central Asian Republics are providing supply route to USA for none of them would like to have Taliban ruling in Afganistan. fix Allied IMF and World Bank or for that matter even Arabs will not help us if we annoy USA.
The choice is very simple either do as they tell us or be prepared to face very hard times for long period including shortage of all sorts of food, medicine, arms etc.
We must remember one thing BEGGERS CAN’T BE CHOOSERS.
So, stop the so called Gairat Brigade and check reality.Recommend
Since when “Diplomatic Imunity” = “License to Kill” ???Recommend
Shoot himRecommend
America has threatened to withdraw its “cooperation” if the killer is not released. But America also needs Pakistan’s cooperation, perhaps more urgently. Americans want Pakistanis to share intelligence with them. Bur they would not share intelligence on Davis’ real identity and his movements with Pakistanjs. What was he doing in Mozang? Where had he gone and who had he met with? Why was he not riding a consulate car? What was the secret mission he was working on? Did it have anything to do with Pakistan’s nuclear arms? Why is he so important to the US administration that it seems as AmPak relations seem to hinge on his release? .Recommend
The less said about Hussain Haqqqani the better.
The ‘political weasel’ is sending frantic cables from Washington in trying to influence this case in US’s favoour.
Is he Pakistan’s Ambassador or US’s Ambassador.Recommend
Pakistani government must released him soon. They just buying time from people of Pakistan.Recommend
Raymond Davis has diplomatic immunity and should be released. Diplomatic immunity is a principle of international law by which certain foreign government officials are not subject to the jurisdiction of local courts and other authorities. Pakistan is violating International law.Recommend
When honour laced with rhetoric replaces sanity then rationality hides behind the clouds of verbosity,bigotry and self righteousness.
Relax and don’t add to more epitaphs with RIP at the top.Recommend
@vasan
I agree with your sincere advice that we should do away with receiving free money. On paper we are richer than India (who have 40% poor population) but in reality we are much poorer than them and I generally do not believe in these theoritical statistics. We have to wake up as a nation, we have to abandon our state policy of terrorism . Economic prosperity is the only solution to the miseries of the people and this can only come from joining the world opinion and not neglecting them. Just by saying and thinking does not make us better or superior, we have to prove it!!!Recommend
@khan:
A witty saying proves nothing.
VoltaireRecommend
@A Salma I so very much agree with you and others like you. Comments of “josh” by others simply proves to me that democracy is not for every one because a decision is made when a through analysis is done and not this “josh” thing which we have become masters of. I am not sure when Pakistani’s made a “right” decision.
Regards China, we are a bunch of fools if we think China gives us aid. China’s aid department is run through their department of commerce and all their aid is in form of loans. In fact China runs a more than $6B surplus with Pakistan. Imagine that! And we call them friends! Far from it and get off of your “Josh” crap! And please pray to Allah that US and Pakistani ex-pats do not stop or lessen their monthly remittances. Because if the later did, all you have is Allah, hunger and anarchy. I believe in all-mighty but you guys should understand who “butters your bread”.
Good luck and please choose the right thing! For your nations sake because it’s all been about you the Pakistani’s lately. As American president JFK said in his famous speech “Ask not what the nation can do for you but what YOU can do for the nation”. THINK and don’t react! And please go back to caves if you do!Recommend
@A.Salma:
A man to you!Recommend
Whatever happened to “innocent till proven guilty?” it’s embarrassing to see some in my country becoming so xenophobic so as to pre-judge guilt without proof being presented. That’s the court’s job. Could have agreed with naved if he had said “tried” by Pakistan courts instead of “punished” by Pakistan courtsRecommend
So much for Pak-America strategic dialogue and talk of new era of strategic relations, such an incident has ceased all bilateral relations between Pakistan and USA. Gen. Petraus has recently stated that US can win the war in Afghanistan even without Pakistan’s support.
US is withdrawing from Afghanistan from July 2011, all this pattern is clear. One way or the other US will cut diplomatic ties and aid to Pakistan and push for isolation anyways (a likely possibility) Why don’t we show ghairat, stand up, regain our footing, sustain the pressure and fight back! Let us try and prosecute and gather evidence. 2 people were shot, 1 overran by a car, one committed suicide. Pakistani blood is equal in value to American blood if not more. Justice must be done!Recommend
What the US is doing is right from its own perspective for its citizen. What we need to do is exactly the same.Recommend
@ Robinson
Where was diplomatic immunity when the Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan was handed over to the US for interrogation at Guantanamo bay , post 9/11 ?Recommend
If Govt. handed over to the US, then i am seeing people march on the roads and InshaAllah People of Pakistan will stand for justice and freedom. We have to save our country, we have to fight for it. Don’t be coward and wait for death.
“It is far better to live like a lion for a day than to live like a jackal for a hundred years”Recommend
AFRICAN SHERLOCK HOLMES needed not pak or american to solve this caseRecommend
@Kamaal….But the difference here is that the militants “SUPPOSEDLY” sent by us were convicted and charged in India, or died during the attack. That’s what we want too, we want Davis to be tried and charged in PakistanRecommend
To the jokers second guessing why Raymond Davis shot the two robbers: if he had not shot them, they would have shot him, after all their guns were drawn.Recommend
If you are not a “katha angraiz” and can read urdu, this is a very touching article in today’s jang. http://www.jang.com.pk/jang/feb2011-daily/10-02-2011/col1.htmRecommend
Please watch this video.. raymond talks for himself..
http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePakistanNews#p/u/12/3qvWXMjd8U4Recommend
I keep reading of some wishful thinking that China will support Pak in the event of US withdrawing their support to Pak – the naivety surprises me – give me two reasons why China will pay your bills? They are as much dependent on US/Europe for their economy and vice-versa. It would be impossible for China to support Pak in the face of international pressure, if the rest of the world were to withdraw support to Pak. Quit delusions! Exceptfor the Gwadar port (which they have funded to meet their own ends), there is little of strategic value in Pak. They will not jeopardize their relations with India for Pak, when Indo-China trade is heading towards $ 100 Billion and Pak-China trade is tottering, and funded by the Chinese themselves. The wars of 21st century will not be fought with weapons but with economic powers. It will do Pak well to move towards economic independence rather than hold a begging bowl to either the US or China.
The present impasse is surely going to affect the economic aid that Pak gets from US, especially given the adverse public opinion that it is causing in the US. Pak govt. will do well to close the matter amicably and fast, before the situation gets out of hand. The solution lies between the people and the govts of the two countries. The inconsistencies, conspiracy theories and the consequent mass hysteria is only fueling more suspicion and skepticism from the international community and isolating Pak further. It will hurt Pak to drive itself into a corner that it cannot get out off.Recommend