Pakistan

Raymond Davis saga: US ambassador thanks victims’ families

US Ambassador Cameron Munter thanks the families of the victims for pardoning Raymond Davis.

Express March 16, 2011

FAISALABAD: US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter has thanked the families of the victims for pardoning Raymond Davis.

In a written statement posted on the website of the US embassy in Islamabad he said that he was grateful for the generosity of the families.

He also expressed sorrow and regret for the incident and the suffering it had caused and confirmed that the Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the incident.

The US ambassador expressed respect for Pakistan and its People and thanked them for their commitment to building a relationship between the two countries.

Munter also reaffirmed commitment of the American people to work with Pakistan in a way that would benefit both countries.

Protests begin against Davis acquittal

Protests have started in Lahore, Faisalabad and Toba Tek Singh against the acquittal of Raymond Davis on Wednesday.

Scores of people in Faisalabad burned tires and chanted slogans against Davis claiming that the US had lots of pressure on the government for the release of Davis.

Similar protests were taken out at Ghanta Chowk and in Toba Tek Singh where religious parties demonstrated against the acquittal on the Jhang-Shorkot Road. Protests were also witnessed around the Lahore Press Club.

Earlier today, Davis, the accused in the double-murder case in Lahore has been released, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah confirmed. The Punjab government claims it played no part in the release of Davis.

COMMENTS (66)

American | 13 years ago | Reply @SA Chaudhary: Dear Chaudhary, we should assume that you were born after 9/11and unaware of prior history of your country ? Terrorism was born in Pakistan and traveled to Afghanistan, Kashmir, Mumbai, UK, and Europe. It was created in the laboratory of strategic depth, at Rawalpindi. It was exported by Zia and Musharraf. You were happy, as long as the victims were outside Pakistan. Now it is your turn to be target of the monster you created. Don't blame CIA, RAW, Mossad, or any one.

SA Chaudhary | 13 years ago | Reply Apparently the Americans are killing Pakistani innocent people and how long our rulers and establishment would wait. Ultimately these people must face the music

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SA Chaudhary | 13 years ago | Reply @Arindom: I have gone through your comments and with all due reverence, I may point out that as to how terrorism travelled to Pakistan. It was after 9/11, the then American President opened fire towards Pakistan and Afghanistan. Under the garb of that unfortunate incident the amercans trespassed into our sacred territory and since then they are killing our innocent citizens. I am not endorcing the acts of suicidal attacks or attackers but at the same time, I may point out that when the family of someone is killed through some drone attack, what the surviving member would do. The terrorism is a seed sown by Americans in our country and we people are facing. As regards Diyat amount is concerned as per our Islamic law it is acceptable by the legal heirs of the deceased but it should be with free will and consent and not in the manner as applied in the case of Raymod Davis. On the day, Raymond Davis was left free, due to drone Attack as many as 44 innocent people were killed, leaving many injured. At the same time, I am not blaming Americans as a whole but our rulers also who are also having hands in these attacks and only to show the people and nation, they are making some statements criticising drone attacks.

Dr. Muhammad Tariq | 13 years ago | Reply Seven years rigorous imprisonment for Shaikh Rashid in the Kalashnikov case and 48 days for Mr. Raymond, what justice is that?

SYED ADEEB | 13 years ago | Reply American Embassy in Islamabad and US Consulates in Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar should be closed for the next 10 years, from 2011 to 2021, because American diplomats, politicians and rulers illegally murdered thousands of innocent Pakistanis through US military/CIA drone missile attacks in Pakistan, which were unlawfully authorized by Pakistani corrupt tyrants. All US diplomats in Pakistan must be prosecuted for their crimes, because they are US CIA spies and supporters of US terrorism against all Pakistanis.

Afzal Guru | 13 years ago | Reply So what good is our nuclear bombs if we capitulate to other countries like this? I think its time we bring in the Egypt like revolution here. I wish i knew who to contact or where to join for this. I will be on the streets in seconds.

Zeeshan | 13 years ago | Reply America hats off

Zeeshan | 13 years ago | Reply I m ready to work for CIA in Pakistan. Hay I want green card only.

Zeeshan | 13 years ago | Reply Sir mantor I m ready to work in CIA network in Pakistan. I am cobbler and from poor family.So please...please have mercy on me. I m ready to even die for you. Atleast my family would enjoy decent living and well off. Please sir tell me where should I contact?

SARA | 13 years ago | Reply sure the families haven't received any compensation but threats. thats y they all are missing.

Sa Chaudhary | 13 years ago | Reply The Raymond Davis case was very important, rather sensational issue. So it would be very wise, if the concerned authorities may tell the people of Pakistan how this bargaining took place and who managed the same. As it is highly impossible to collect all the legal heirs of the deceased persons on one date of hearing and it apparently was managed one. If it is based on coercion or duress, then it is highly objectionable and if it is with the free will and consent of the legal heirs of the deceased, then it is not ony Islamic but also legal.

Sa Chaudhary | 13 years ago | Reply SHORT CUT: No doubt under Islamic as well as Pakistani laws, the offence under section 302 PPC is compoundable by the legal heirs of the deceased and they have the right to waive their right of qisas and Diyat but at the same time, it is the duty of the court to satisfy itself whether the offence is being compounded voluntarily without any coercion or duresss. It is also the duty of the court to verify about the details of the legal heirs of the deceased. Here in the instant case of Raymond Davis, Shamila, the wife of one of the deceased had committed suicide with the assertion that she was not expecting justice at the hands of Pakistani laws. Under the law, every person who is entitled as per inheritance of Pakistani laws, is entitled to share of diyat and the inheritance opens on the day when someone dies. Here on the day when the husband of Shamila was murdered, she was alive and committed suicide afterwards, so to my mind, the legal heirs of Shamila were also entitled to share of diyat. If it is not done, it is a glaring illegality. I have already written on the subject that the legal heirs of the deceased have the right to waive their rights of qisas and diyat. But here so many questions arise, Raymond was so important for Americans that there was thrilling and top to bottom and lower to upward and high profile figures of the world were crying including President of America and according to the courses, so many identity cards, sims etc. were recovered from his possession, then our government should not have let him free immediately and if he was also involved in spy and other offences, he should have been blocked. But our rulers are running themselve at the mercy of Americans what they could do??

Billoo Bhaya | 13 years ago | Reply I have recommended everyone who wrote the comments as they all came from a disgusted heart.

Be Honest...!!!!!!! | 13 years ago | Reply Shariat does not allow such "compromise" if done forcibly...Which looks to be the case here....

mohammad khan | 13 years ago | Reply In case of loss of life Allah SWT forbids Muslims to make it an issue of honor. Blood money is a law from Allah SWT as Muslims we are suppose to implement these laws in their true spirit and not question them because of this law we might have saved thousands of lives which could have been lost due to the un Islamic extremist ideology.

Uza Syed | 13 years ago | Reply @Pakistani: Better be careful with this generousity -------- you are in a state of shock and talking nonsense ----- take you valium 10 and all will be just fine ----- you won't halluciante any longer.

Arindom | 13 years ago | Reply Pakistan cannot have it both ways - (as mentioned by UK PM Cameron in India). You cannot have terrorists as "Strategic Assets" and still want respect in International fora... You cannot demand Sharial Law for the country, but not accept Diyat (blood money) for Davis.... You cannot insult the US, but also accept Aid from them....

Tippu | 13 years ago | Reply This is a very good outcome for all. Including the families of the victims. And it is excellent that the US followed the law of pakistan as well as islamic law. No one should be complaining. And if you think about it, anyone that complains or protests is complaining against islamic law. Deal with that if you can.!!!

Haroon | 13 years ago | Reply If the families have forgiven him, who the hell are we to judge him. He is lucky enough to be forgiven by the families of the murdered otherwise courts were not there to leave him. The important thing is that the American Diplomat (as claimed by him) has benefited from the Sharia Law. Hopefully, he would be thankful to that law. Grâce au Sharia law, the diplomatic row is over.

spb | 13 years ago | Reply Why are posters here complaining about the families pardoning Davis? Isn't payment of blood money Islamic and sanctioned in Sharia law? So, one can't be for Sharia law and still complain about letting off Davis on payment of blood money.

logical | 13 years ago | Reply It is only in a completely jahil society that barbaric concepts like 'blood money' are allowed to overrule modern-day understandings of law, and even simple dignity of life. But guess since you have decided go down the sharia law route, you now have no reason to complain. What you ask for is what is get.

Babloo | 13 years ago | Reply In Islam is there any crime for which money cannot buy pardon ? What do Mullahs say ?

Blunt! | 13 years ago | Reply Lol, Not surprising, Pakistan caves in everytime! No Big Deal...

Tariq Ahsan | 13 years ago | Reply In the outcome, justice scores zero, and arbitrariness scores ten out of ten. The hopes engendered by the emergence of democracy in Pakistan, and by the election of Barack Obama that the prospects for the protection of basic human rights will improve, stand dashed once again. Tariq Ahsan

Baloch | 13 years ago | Reply hahahahah.... Allah will curse you Pakistan. When you people get money involve Allah by saying it is islamic law. This all about is money.... shame shame shame...

Faisal Awan | 13 years ago | Reply shame on ISI chief for getting 2 year extension for release of Raymond Davis. in this case ISI, Army and PPP are all sold out for dollars

Ahmer | 13 years ago | Reply A sad incident in the history os pakistan; revealing the real face of U.S. We pardon Davis; but they didn't pardon the Afiya; How ruthless and stone hearted they are.

mubeen | 13 years ago | Reply this match was fixed...as the saudia and middle east countries and high officals of pak army and american army did extremely amazed plannnnn....victims families were highly dictated...once again proved that v r SLAVE NATION....no need to celebrate 23rd march nd independence day

jerry | 13 years ago | Reply Will ISI and Pakistani govt pay BLOOD MONEY for American and Indian VICTIMS for Bombay carnage????

farhan | 13 years ago | Reply You can't help it Islamists. This is your own law

Aasia Sohail Mian | 13 years ago | Reply We are really a weak and poor nation and have compromised our dignity and sovereignty due to our corrupt leaders and institutions since our independence. Our Military and Civil governments have sold us to the Americans (government) against cash and monitory benefits and we are so helpless, that we are unable to do any thing. The rulers of Pakistan have become billionaires and our public is striving for just bread and butter. We are helpless but we are still hopeful that some day we will rise and can talk to those who are our worst enemies. Both federal and provincial governments are responsible for the release of Raymond Davis murderer of innocent Pakistanis. God bless my country and people.

A | 13 years ago | Reply My friend, justice is served for the murder but what about the espionage and what about the sovereignty of Pakistan. Get out from underneath your rock, we all know what the families have said, they didn't want the money they wanted justice and justice was the dying word of the victim's wife. It was clearly forced. What about the other Raymond Davis type people there? The silly government with ALL their assets located outside of Pakistan NEEDED to release him to secure their wealth. The government must step down it is time for a revolution.

MS | 13 years ago | Reply Pakistanis pls don't blame others for your problem...the fault lies within. We are corrupt and not USA.

Azman | 13 years ago | Reply US Ambassador Cameron Munter , RD was a secret agent to do killing. A--h--- was so coward he blew the cover of the secret operation of US govt when going got tough. You will never have your work done if you send this type of a--h--- to do the job. Comments by likewise a--h--- in Yahoo/Fox will not get you anything.

raja | 13 years ago | Reply It was all planned in the corridors of GHQ Please don't make fool of this nation every thing was planned Mian brothers not in country Plane on airport

Cautious | 13 years ago | Reply I find it fascinating that Pakistan would ignore International Law where this guy would have been deported and tried in the USA - and chose to use Pakistani laws which apparently allows an individual to buy their way out of any crime. Hope your satisfied because it's your own culture/laws that allow this guy to get off the hook. Justice would have been better served if this guy was sitting in a USA jail. Classic Pakistan.

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. .

Roflcopter | 13 years ago | Reply nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Anon | 13 years ago | Reply Why can you people never be happy? You wanted this dealt according to the law of the land. Well, it was! All the religious parties asking for his death forget the important tenet of shariah law which allows for blood money. Why do they never call for death sentences when blood money is used to pardon honour killers and feudal axe murderers? This is hypocrisy, plain and simple.

Mirza | 13 years ago | Reply On one hand Pakistanis like Islamic laws, the army and free judiciary on the other they are now against this “Islamic deal” under Sharia law. You cannot hate the same laws you claim to love. If anybody opposes this open, fair and legal deal then they should come out against this unjust law. Either the law is good or it is not, it cannot be both. Grow up and and be civil. The Pakistani law favors the rich killers and you have to live with that. Either stand up against the ancient blood money laws or put up and shut up! Everything is for sale in Pakistan. Mirza, USA ..

MKB | 13 years ago | Reply I don't see how the families can be called greedy. They were under tremendous pressure. And what they did was within legal limits.

basharat | 13 years ago | Reply Condemning the heirs of the victims for accepting the blood money , in Raymond davis case is totally uncalled for inasmuch as , sharia and Pakistani Law not only permit to do this rather such course is preferred to end the enmity between the parties. Some political parties, especially operating in the name of religion remain vigilant to spread disorder for their political mileage without having any concern of its consequent harm to the country. Families of the victims have done good for themselves and also for the country. They need not to worry for what they have done, it is permissible in the law and will be conducive to promote peaceful environments in the country.

Uza Syed | 13 years ago | Reply Dear Mr. Ambassador Munter, You are requested to arrange some more efficient people like your this guy Mr. R. Davis to Pakistan on top-priority basis. We have great need to do some immediate cleaning out here in various fields e.g. different offices (govrt. as well as civilian including the press and media), streets., We are very impressed by Mr Davis performance and therefore wish to hire more efficient people for this kinda job here and we offer you lower price this time. You know, we'll accept kinda bargain prices for 'Blood-money' ------ real low prices this time. Thanking you for your immediate action. for People of Pakistan with brains.

qudratulla | 13 years ago | Reply the legal heirs of both the victims have used their lawful right and we should not be ashamed of it as we never felt any embarrassment while plundering our own country, lying, receiving kickbacks, killing our own Christians and then making life a living hell for our poor brethrens and sisters. We are the filthiest nation whose Mullahs receive Rs. 5 for using Mosque toilets. Did we ever try to have self-accountability? I congratulate heirs for doing a rightful job and securing their future. Protesting Pakistanis are jealous who will do the same. However, our uneducated, senseless and big-tummy ‘Mullahs brigade’ would get some business to poison people with their venomous speeches. Jamaal e Islami will also have some usual business of polluting Lahore with tyre burnings.

Mulla Toofhan | 13 years ago | Reply The Mullas and the suppoter were caught napping, what good will the protest serve, you will destroy and burn Govt property which will not bring Raymond Davis back nor it should. He was let go by your own Sharia laws. It was between the Family and defendent. I don't see anything wrong in it.

Echo Cave | 13 years ago | Reply Islamically kosher?? You're kidding right?.... You know theres a word for that... its called Halal. And the Islamic way for extracting blood money doesnt include taking the victim's family to Kot Lakhpat for some convincing!

Abdullah Saleem | 13 years ago | Reply @Humanity: What if deceased's family forced to do so?

Abdullah Saleem | 13 years ago | Reply Thanking us for releasing terrorist?

aq inqalabi | 13 years ago | Reply y the hell ppl pointing fingers on families when whole nation is pimp ....... v r the best in the world who make the mockery of our own religion ........... as nation v r dead ........... v r citizens of USA colony ...... i want USA flag in pak ............ enough of this pakistan stupidity .......... sindh, baloch, punjab , kkp r the four new states of USA and most importantly u can do whatever u want to do in these states ............ luv u USA.

Akhtar | 13 years ago | Reply The family has saved pakistan from great trouble

Raza | 13 years ago | Reply If the USA stops IMF Funding, the exchange rate will be 1$ = 186 Rupees. Do we want to be Somalia? We don't even have the pirates to hijack supertankers....

Riz | 13 years ago | Reply People of sub continent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) would do anything to move to US. And there is nothing wrong with it. USA is basically a country of immigrants and that's how she works. The only thing I mind is hypocrisy running in the blood of Pakistani people because they want to go to US but chant slogans against US at the same time.

Noor | 13 years ago | Reply Islam allows Diyyat only for unintentional murder. Not for a man who pumps 11 bullets into the bodies of his victims

Mohammad Ali Siddiqui | 13 years ago | Reply Your Excellency: We the Pakistani Nation and the Government are most obedient servants of US Government. You do not need to say “Thank You” to bereaved families. Today, Raymond David is freed, as he is a white skin by birth American National. The proverb, “Might is Right” has shown its true colour. As from today, we are no more a sovereign nation. May God save America and Americans.

Pakistani | 13 years ago | Reply Munter should thank the greedy families and the criminal Judge!!! I really felt sorry for Salman Taseer's death. Today, I don't feel that sorrow anymore!!! Now, bash me all the hell you want but I say this LOUD AND CLEAR. THE KILLERS OF SALMAN TASEER ARE THE SAME AS DAVIS. IF DAVIS CAN BE FORGIVEN SO EASILY THEN THERE IS NO REASON TO FEEL SORROW FOR TASEER EITHER!!!! I am no mullah but this decision by the "Free Justice System" of Pakistan will fan more extremism in Pakistan and the dead would be Pakistani citizens, no one else!!

IZ | 13 years ago | Reply Well Mr Ambassador we would be more happy if you tried to keep your "diplomats" under control.

Uza Syed | 13 years ago | Reply @Humanity: "Well, it is an Islamic law that if the family pardons and accepts blood money justice is served." -------- and us being such law-abiding & Islam-loving people must accept this law.

faraz | 13 years ago | Reply Once again, I dont understand the reason for this large cry? The families made a choice.. it was their family member, and it is completely upto them to decide what they want. Why are rest of us so frustrated???? If they are getting money and better life, let them get it and let us not stand in the way of their better future. Anyways, who wants to stay in this mess. The faster we move out of pak, the better it is. Many of us writing here will stand in long queue tomorrow early morning in front of US / UK embassy begging for visa to get out of this god forsaken country. So just accept the fact and try to save your own life here.

Q | 13 years ago | Reply SHAME ON ISI Cheif, Army Cheif, Cheif Justice of Pakistan, Nawaz, Zordari and Gilani. These are the names of the true criminals..... So, much for a free Justice system!!!

Salman | 13 years ago | Reply Oh sir jee we are your slaves. no need to say thanks. You can do anything and we'll say yes because we even know how to fall from disgrace. And please can you donate pakistan to japan and take all of us to your farm lands in the heart of america just like the good old days of 1700s we don't mind to be called niggers or sand niggers we just want to be the slaves. pretty please... oh yes and please don't harm the off-springs of pakistani generals and politicians in america as they are also your humble servants. Bit snobbish but they will do as you please. long live the USA

ali | 13 years ago | Reply Why is the ghairat brigade shedding tears now, Raymond has been released according to Diyat Act of our beloved Sharia law.

American | 13 years ago | Reply @how: Isn't this how Sharia law works in the "Islamic Republic of Pakistan" ? What are you complaining about ?

bunny | 13 years ago | Reply well he is slapping our face in short...and laughing on us

Humanity | 13 years ago | Reply Well, it is an Islamic law that if the family pardons and accepts blood money justice is served. A mature, reasonable, and an Islamically kosher ending of an unfortunate event.

how | 13 years ago | Reply Ambassador thanks greedy families for Pardoning "cold blooded murder"....!!!!!

Mahreen Durrani | 13 years ago | Reply Release of Raymind Davis is another sad incident in Pakistan, where voice of justice has been muffled by unconfirmed promise of blood money. This is a poor internartional relation strategy practised by the US. Its a watch dog and a bully and of course Pakistani government should be ashamed of this decision. The people have been disappointed again, RD should have served his punishment. Shame on you RD, USA and Pakistan - all together.

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