US diplomat involved in Islamabad accident departed post 'settlement'

We have left our case with God, father of deceased motorcyclist says

ISLAMABAD: Authorities permitted American diplomat Colonel Joseph Emanuel to leave Pakistan on Monday after taking relatives of deceased motorcyclist Ateeq Baig into confidence.

The kin of the deceased reportedly reached an 'understanding' with US representatives before Hall's departure. Baig’s father told The Express Tribune he had been informed before Hall left the country. “These matters are for the government to decide. We have left our case with God." He declined to answer a query on whether any financial compensation was involved before hanging up.



Arsalan Khan, a cousin of the deceased, confirmed that a settlement had indeed been reached. He said the differences had been resolved. Arsalan, the elder brother of Baig's cousin Raheel who was injured in the traffic accident, also remained mum on the question of finances. Politician Haji Mehrban, who hails from their village, also chose to remain reticent when enquired the same. Mehrban had played a leading role in organising protests after the traffic accident and then facilitating talks.



22-year-old Baig was killed after Hall hit the motorcycle he was travelling on with Raheel on Margalla Road earlier in April. CCTV footage of the accident showed the US defence attache jumping red lights before hitting the motorcycle. Hall was booked for unintentional murder and placed on a blacklist by the Interior Ministry after his kin moved Islamabad High Court.