Diplomatic accident: Col Joseph’s case being heard by court, US told

Envoy's return to the US would be decided in light of international and Pakistani laws

KARACHI: Pakistani authorities have reportedly told the United States that since Col Joseph Emmanuel’s case is being heard by a court, he cannot be allowed to return home.

According to knowledgeable sources, his return to the US would be decided in light of international and Pakistani laws.

The federal government would act in line with the court orders in this regard, Pakistani authorities are reported to have informed Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells.

Sources in the federal government said that the acting US deputy foreign secretary had held several meetings with officials during her recent visit to Pakistan.

She reportedly told Pakistani authorities that the defence attaché had diplomatic immunity in accordance with the Vienna Convention and Pakistan should not take any action against him and allow him to travel back to the US.

In response, Pakistani authorities told her that Pakistan respected the Vienna Convention, but the diplomat's case was in court. The colonel, she was informed, had not been arrested because of the diplomatic immunity.

Sources said that the government was also briefing the court about international laws applicable in the diplomat's case.