Pakistan

Raymond Davis case: Victim's family attacked

Unidentified people attempted to kill a family member of one of the victims of the Lahore shooting.

Express February 24, 2011

LAHORE: Unidentified people attempted to kill the uncle of Shumaila, the widow who poisoned herself after her husband Faheem was gunned down by US citizen Raymond Davis on Thursday. Shumaila’s uncle Sarwar has been admitted to hospital in critical condition.

According to eye witnesses, three unidentified men jumped over the walls of Sarwar’s house and hit him on the head repeatedly with stones. They also forcefully made him eat pesticide pills.

Neighbours intervened after hearing the noise, but the assailants fled after assaulting the neighbours. Allied Hospital MS Dr Rana Bashir has confirmed that Sarwar’s stomach had been washed and he is now out of danger.

Sarwar’s brother told Express News that some people had threatened Sarwar to withdraw from the Raymond Davis case or they would kill him. He appealed to the Punjab chief minister to provide the family justice. RPO Aftab Cheema said action would be taken against the culprits after investigation.

Pressure on both sides

According to an earlier report in The Express Tribune, the families of the two people allegedly murdered by Raymond Davis are coming under pressure from politicians and religious groups not to strike any deals that would allow for Davis’ release.

Waseem Shamshad, elder brother of Faheem, one of the young men killed, told The Express Tribune that the families are coming under conflicting pressures. He claimed that on one hand the government is pressuring the victims’ families to withdraw the case against Davis, while several religious and political groups were pressuring them not to accept any deal that would allow Davis to walk free.

COMMENTS (54)

Shaun Chaudhry | 13 years ago | Reply Well folks... I hate to say "I told you so" For all you idiots who didn't listen to me the first time I hope you all had the privlige of watching RD fly out of Pakistan. All though some of you feel justice was not served today consider the families of the dead that took the money. Believe it or not but those 3 Pakistanis killed were not angels and were guilty of many sins. Good luck to RD. May the force be with you.

A | 13 years ago | Reply This whole drama was/is organized by Pakistani ISI and CIA. They are palying the main role behind for long and knew the whole story. The Pakistan nation must asked them to bring the truth to their blind/fool nation. Allot of more here undercover…the nation has made fool. .

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Where is that | 13 years ago | Reply I was listening to some analysts in media, and there were saying that, if we trial Raymond divas, then the US will pressure Pakistan economically, We would face economic sanctions, and potential military treat from India, USA and Afghanistan ( muslim brother country lol). So what should we do? Maybe let Raymond davis go to US, and give him a trial there. Continue our relations with US, BUT, take a lessen from this incident, don't give every US national visa to enter our state. improve the security of our eastern, western borders and our sovereign waters, so US does not send its nationals illegally into our territory. put a check on the hot romantic affair our military is having with the US.... Also, try to become economically an independent country!

Khadeejah Usman | 13 years ago | Reply I am really amazed by the attitude of our religious parties. what a bunch of double faced people. on one hand they are showering Mumtaz Qadri with rose petals and trying to turn him into a national hero and on the other hand they are raising slogans against US and Raymond Davis. arnt they both the murderers. no doubt Raymond Davis is a murderer but does Islam permit taking law in your own hands and deciding the fate of people with whom you disagree ideologically like mumtaz qadri and then later on you will be declared an epitome of piousness by the ridiculously bearded men of our religious parties. Please mullahs.. get over your hypocrisies!!!

Salik | 13 years ago | Reply Oh and yes. The services Pakistan provided in return were worth more than the billions of Dollars the US gave. Dont forget the 80's. And its not hatred for the US. Its love for Pakistan. Its how you perceive . :)

Salik | 13 years ago | Reply @Shaun This is the exact thinking that gets us stuck in the first place. If this is the way things start to work then I guess we should all give up on our rights. There is always someone willing to snatch them for you, but you dont hand them over. Give Aasia and take Raymond.Eye for an eye.

Midnight Drummer | 13 years ago | Reply @Shaun Chaudhry: My exact point was to repudiate your contention of the media being 'one-sided' based on 'sketchy' initial reports from the Pakistan media and the Punjab police. This was the crux of your argument in your previous comment. Yes, working for the CIA, being a CIA Agent or contracted by the CIA can mean different 'things' but not entirely analogous of each other. I mention ONLY CIA contractor in my last post. The 'semantics' in contrast to his ambiguous technical status is very crucial in determining his identity, his mission and hence his legality over immunity. No-one doubts the CIA has worked closely with the Pakistan intelligence services for many years as CIA spokesman George Little says, "The CIA works closely with our Pakistani counterparts on a wide range of security challenges, including our common fight against al-Qaida and its terrorist allies," ... "The agency's ties to ISI have been strong over the years, and when there are issues to sort out, we work through them." The ISI agency knows and works with "the bona fide CIA people in Pakistan" but is upset that the CIA would send others as 'contractors' over behind its back in covert missions without their knowlege at all. According to the Washington Posts recent report, an ISI official said Davis' visa application contains bogus references and phone numbers. He said thousands of visas were issued to U.S. Embassy employees over the past five months following a government directive to the Pakistan Embassy in Washington to issue visas without the usual vetting by the interior ministry and the ISI. The same directive was issued to the Pakistan embassies in Britain and the United Arab Emirates. Within two days of receiving that directive, the Pakistani Embassy issued 400 visas and since then thousands more were issued. A virtual "floodgate" opened for U.S. Embassy employees requesting Pakistani visas. The ISI is now scouring thousands of visas issued to U.S. employees in Pakistan.

Shaun Chaudhry | 13 years ago | Reply @Salik: You people still don't get it???? Pakistan has everything to lose here don't you people understand??? This is not a simple case of murder for which someone is just simply going to stand trial for and be proven either innocent or guilty. This situation is much deeper involved then this. It's not necessarily about the law anymore its more about politics. Plain and simple politics! Tell me please does anyone understand what will happen if he is not released? Any political savvy people here please chime in. As much as we would all like to see justice done lets be honest with each other here... RD will not get a "FAIR" trial in Pakistan. Pakistan's growth and sustainability depends very heavily on the support and financial backing of the United States and key allies. Please do not take offense but all you who hate the US so much don't forget the billions of dollars the US has been providing the Pakistani government with for several of years. It's unfortunate the Pakistani government does not inject more of that money into growing the economy rather then spending it on national defense. So when you go to sleep tonight just remember your government depends on US money. With all due respect Pakistan is already a minority in the big picture not to mention it has as much terrorist activity as there are cockroaches so this does not help the good people of Pakistan. Before you start bashing the Americans I might suggest you tell your go to stop letting them in. Too much hypocrisy I tell you.

Muhammed Ali Razvi | 13 years ago | Reply There is no compensation for spilling the blood of a Muslim. In Sharia there is no thing which says if a KAFFIR was to kill a Muslim he could get away by paying compensation. This law of Sharia is only for Muslims. Secondly for manslaughter, on deliberate, calculated, intended killing, there is no such thing as forgiveness in Islamic Law, the criminal gets death sentence. Only on exidental death cases the compensation is accepted.

Salik | 13 years ago | Reply So we should just let him go? Thats it? No fighting for whats right and wrong? Are we that miserable?

Asif | 13 years ago | Reply Don't release Davis and incidents like these will continue to happen. Its the people of pakistan who will have to pay the price ultimately..it always is the people...

maitre | 13 years ago | Reply @Chandler. You are badly mistaken. Raymond Davis' murderous act shows US citizens social, administartive and political arrogance. I wouldn't accept such pressure. Had we have people like Imran Khan in the Presidency you would be worrying about many more spies. Anyway, these people will not be let off the hook, believe me.

maitre | 13 years ago | Reply @Asif@Nizam, stopped being cowards! RD shouldn't be released under any circumstances. He should be tried and convicted as per Pakistan State law. Should we release American spies? Look how many Americans spies are trying to kill the bereaved family? This is the world most so-called civilised nation's way of delivering 'black water justice'. They warned them that they will airstrike thgeir houses or villages. Take them, try them and convict them under the country's law!

saadia | 13 years ago | Reply Gosh What is up with your editing Express Tribune? "...Thursday . Shumaila’s uncle Sarwar ..."

SA | 13 years ago | Reply @ASIF: To every one who is saying that release the Davis. Just think for a while, if Davis will kill any one of your family member, Will you ask that release the davis ?? Yes they would still do the same, i.e. let him go for the sake of a few bucks and a green card. With due apology, such low is the moral status of pakistanis that they dont mind selling out their honor or even their dead ones!! They would rather welcome the opportunity!

opgforlife | 13 years ago | Reply dude there ain't any justice in Pakistan!!!!!!I haven't Seen One person getting justice in here!

Sqn Ldr S. Ausaf Husain (Retd) | 13 years ago | Reply The Davis seems have mishandled and made complicated jointly by all concerned in Pakistan including media personnel and the United States. The matter could have been settled maximum within a week if the US Ambassador to Pakistan and US Counsel General Lahore could have visited the relatives of all the three victims apologized and compensated them. Similarly, the Punjab Governor, Chief Minister should have ensured that victim's families are provided full protection against politicians and religious fanatics to avoid intimidation and brainwashing by them. Raymond Davis should have been produced before a press conference and shown on all TV channels clarifying his position and should have apologized before the Pakistani nation. Thereafter Raymond Davis should have been released and sent back to his country. Now Raymond Davis should be released and handed over to US and should never be allowed to visit Pakistan.The United States should offer green card to victim's families and settled them in America. I am sure families of victims will agree this very happily. If this is not done then we might face Egypt and Libya like situation in Pakistan very soon.

Nazir Habib | 13 years ago | Reply Shame on us Pakistanis. The word "shame" is obviously LOST on us. "Honour and honesty" are no longer in our memory and if we use them, yes, if we use them, we use them with great abandon. HUBRIS is the replacement word. Whenever the PPP is in power everything stands on its head. "Awam Dost" party is responsible for all the invidious incidents taking place.

Mohammad Ali Siddiqui | 13 years ago | Reply Punjab Government must provide security to immediate family members of the victims, as the government has provided security to Raymond Davis in Lahore jail.

Ch Allah Daad | 13 years ago | Reply Allah Rakha Sahib, you are 100% right, nobody dies with those counterfeit pesticides. In villages, its impossible to find original pesticide. How come this family found real one? She must had been told that after some drama at national media she would be saved, but the family and doctors had different plans. First they arranged pure poison, then they took three hours to admit her in hospital, and in hospital doctors made sure that she does not survive. Why they were showing a dying patient on national media and were not treating her. I think local police knows this, they are just waiting for those millions, family is going to get sooner or later, then they will attack like vultures.

Blithe | 13 years ago | Reply @Asif: You can't be a Pakistani! Who the * are you to say that he should be set free without a trial? All of us know full well that he is not a diplomat.

Shaun Chaudhry | 13 years ago | Reply @Midnight Drummer... What's your point? Working directly for the CIA and being contracted by the CIA are two completly different things. Its just symantics at the end of the day. Oh and news flash for you: The CIA have had an office in Pakistan for almost 2 decades. Pakistan is fully aware of the American presence in their country. Did you forget the Pakistani gov issues the visas ??? :)

rao muhammad shahid | 13 years ago | Reply remend a deves is not a mad man heis highi profiel man he never be shooted the peoples on the roods the peopl who killd the remend who they are our intelegens egenses interogat the case

ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply You died when you refused to stand up for right. You died when you refused to stand up for truth. You died when you refused to stand up for justice.

tiger chaudry | 13 years ago | Reply @Shaun Chaudry, Rd could be involved in antipak activities. He is an American terrorist and killer in white collar job. If he freed then terrorist has won.

Midnight Drummer | 13 years ago | Reply @Shaun Chaudhry: Would you consider the USA media as one-sided too? According to their own investigations, they (New York Times, Associated Press, Denver TV channel, Colorado TV channel 9News and others) have already admitted that Raymond Davis was a CIA contractor, but deliberately withheld that information until the Guardian (UK) first broke the news. Associated Press Sen. Lindsay Graham let slip on the Senate floor that Davis is an "agent" The white American male happens to be a CIA operative and as such have agendas around the world.

Chandler | 13 years ago | Reply Ray Davis is not some one to be held, if this goes on any longer you better believe that pakistan will be swarming with private contractors with the mission to extract a chief operations officer with black water/XE

Ameer Hamza | 13 years ago | Reply Well, this is getting madder. I mean, when Davis was caught there was a series of rail track bombings. And then continued drone attacks. And our President talking nothing about davis and his shenanigans. Well, now this incident. Whatever the case I am sure Davis will be released. Just like his driver flew back to USA.

Obserber | 13 years ago | Reply truly politic is very interesting and pathetic tooo.

Shaun Chaudhry | 13 years ago | Reply I support Asif as well... I find it rather convenient that everyone is quick to make assumptions on what actually happened. All newspaper articles I read are one sided. Where are the true experts, homicide investigators and reporters in this matter? Why does the public have no profile/or substantial background information on the 2 people murdered? Why in gods name would a white American male start an international incident in the middle of Pakistan, especially a man with his professional background. Pakistan has much more to lose in the end if he is not released. There are not always going to be religious extremists that would love to see an American be-headed for fun so this should not be a shock to anyone nor should this influence government or law enforcement authorities. On behalf of the rational and reasonable Pakistani people, please send Raymond home and lets get back to work 

Harris | 13 years ago | Reply It is not a matter of one person but of principle. A release of Raymond Davis will only strengthen the U.S. view that they can do anything in Pakistan and get away with it. RD is a CIA agent, he holds key information that can be extracted by Pakistani officials. If Pakistan would just smarten up and have him go through a criminal trial it would send a message to everyone that you cannot just walk into our country and kill two people and get away with it. This man shot those two men in the back, without any provocation. Cold-blooded murder. and you want this man released back to the U.S. without punishment? Are you mad? Pakistan should stop delaying this any longer and deal with it immediately. That is the only way things will change in Pakistan. Once they realise they do not require the U.S. for support but that they can convince their own people to change the country.

HUSSAIN W | 13 years ago | Reply It is irony that some invisible powers successively threatening the victims family to withdraw the case against the US official killer,Raymond Davis from the court otherwise bare the subsequent outcomes.They actually examining our national spirit against likewise in humane brutalities which they are going to execute their secret task in the same manner.It is the time where our politicians must stood collectively and resolve the prevailing issue of Raymond as according the law,but whenever it comes to need for making noise against the injustice and corruption.As Raymond Davis case is concerned,it should be dealt through an independent judiciary process without taking foreign pressure.

Fayyaz | 13 years ago | Reply We should't run away from facts, we should demand just, "JUSTICE","Justice" according to Pakistani LAW, according to International LAW, nothing more, It is very easy to say, "forgive", let decide this "forgivenes" to people who can do it legaly. If one's son is murdered, who will decide? If they are so much concerned about "one" person, why we not about our "three" persons ?

Roflcopter | 13 years ago | Reply @Asif: Doing justice and hanging Raymond will also get rid of the problems!

khan | 13 years ago | Reply it,s very bad news we can expect this kind of attempts from American Intelligence more.

ASIF | 13 years ago | Reply To every one who is saying that release the Davis. Just think for a while, if Davis will kill any one of your family member, Will you ask that release the davis ?? you are saying this becuase all of your family member is alive. just think for that family whose family member has been killed and they know that they cant do any thing to killer ???? this is very unbearable situation. please think for a while !!!!!

real deal | 13 years ago | Reply as allah rakha said shumaila was killed. this is surely to push the country into further chaos. someone has finally been able to get sumone else to be held responsible for their crimes. first they murdered shumaila to further deepen the case. and when one of her uncles is about to spill the beans, they also try to give him the same treatment. alas, the web we weave is going to kill us all

nisar | 13 years ago | Reply getting fed up with this Raymond davis thing, everyone is doing politics on Raymond davis. Even brothers of the guys killed by Raymond asked for money from people while their wives and children deserve money.Why their brothers asking for money? don't know who killed shumaila and put mice and camera in her mouth while she was dying on hospital bed.

Sikander | 13 years ago | Reply ha ha ha so now its easy for Davis to be released. Pakistan wah bai wah

Alick | 13 years ago | Reply This is not an ordinary case. It will define the future geo politics of this region. Allah is exposing our so called friends, He exposed our leaders, our security, war on terror, ISI & CIA links, the only thing left is our courts...Lets see what will happen I already ve doubts why this guy is not charged under Terrorists Law if he had links with militants? why the case is not registered as a Spy? I also want to know why he send the pictures of the two guys to its higher authorities after killing them? Do the higher authorities know whi is Faizan & Faheem? Why it was so important to kill those two guys? Guys this episode will expose many things in the coming days automatically "There is a Power who wants all of us to see & think"

asif_q | 13 years ago | Reply how can two wrongs make a right???????????????? (for those who wants to release davis) but its ok there r always slave mentality ppl living in the society, u can even see them in egypt who supports mubarak, but no worries those slave mentality flag barriers are always in minority,,,,,,,,,,, but the worrying part is mostly slaves are the educated ones :( but on the other hand its a good test, lets release davis and u can easliy check whether nation is alive or dead, i hv frim believe in my nation that v r dead but after davis release we can officially offer fateha for pakistanis.

fantageri | 13 years ago | Reply we should follow the international law... if we protest for the release of culprit america ha right to demand for thir citizen..

ali | 13 years ago | Reply false flag operation....definitely!!

BushraS | 13 years ago | Reply And this is why, eventually, the only recourse left to these poor families will be to accept the green cards they are being offered and leave the country. Who can resist such conflicting political pressures and survive a damned-if-you-do-damned-if-you-don't situation.

Shinigami | 13 years ago | Reply @ Usama Zafar: Nevermind!

Ch Allah Daad | 13 years ago | Reply Get rid of these families and Mr. Davis, send all of them to USA. It will solve everyone's problems, except religious fanatics and media, but don't worry about them, they will find another story.

Ashraf | 13 years ago | Reply The religious parties will do anything to get more mileage from this sad case. They'll try to pin the blame on the Americans. The lack of scruples is appalling. Humanity is dead.

Nizam | 13 years ago | Reply @Asif: I agree fully. Holding on to RD is only making things worse for Pakistan and for what? We have so many bigger problems, why don't we use some of this energy and effort on the economy, corruption, ANYTHING else.

shah | 13 years ago | Reply r u ok

Usama Zafar | 13 years ago | Reply I hate to say this but I agree with Asif...thousands of other murderers are roaming around the streets and no one has any issues with them!! When we can carry out rallies for Mumtaz Qadri's release then surely there is no harm in releasing Raymond either!!

Asif | 13 years ago | Reply Please release Raymond Davis. Release him and get rid of all the problems..

Adeel Awan | 13 years ago | Reply BIG QUESTION MARK on Punjab Govt's Security Measures

allah rakha | 13 years ago | Reply i think shumaila was killed by the doctors under influece of some political elte to seek political mileage.Was an autopsy performed on her. Nobody cares....

TightDhoti | 13 years ago | Reply Pathetic! Everyone wants justice, but they have made the victims political footballs! A grieving family has nothing to do with global strategic designs! Now that we are whipped up in a frenzy, sadly even more people are likely to get affected by events!

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