Saleem Shahzad killing: ISPR concerned over 'baseless insinuations' against ISI
ISPR says similar accusations against ISI proven wrong in the past.
ISLAMABAD:
The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has expressed concern over “unfounded and baseless insinuations” on the involvement of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the murder of journalist Saleem Shahzad, as reported by some sections of the media.
A statement released by the ISPR on Friday said that similar accusations had been against the intelligence agency in the past “but investigations proved those wrong”.
The statement also said that the ISPR supported the formation of a commission to investigate the murder of Shahzad and called for a thorough investigation, including disclosure of facts to the people.
Speculation that the ISI was linked to the slaying of Shahzad has added pressure on the agency, already facing criticism following the killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad. The ISI had issued a rare media statement denying it was behind the killing.
“It’s regrettable that some sections of media have taken upon themselves to use the incident for targeting and maligning the ISI,” an official of the agency said.
Investigative journalist Shahzad was found dead near the Head Rasul area in Mandi Bahauddin, nearly 130 kilometres from Islamabad, after going missing from Islamabad.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan had earlier expressed alarm about Shahzad’s disappearance and described as “exceedingly disturbing” reports that he might have been abducted by a state agency.
The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has expressed concern over “unfounded and baseless insinuations” on the involvement of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the murder of journalist Saleem Shahzad, as reported by some sections of the media.
A statement released by the ISPR on Friday said that similar accusations had been against the intelligence agency in the past “but investigations proved those wrong”.
The statement also said that the ISPR supported the formation of a commission to investigate the murder of Shahzad and called for a thorough investigation, including disclosure of facts to the people.
Speculation that the ISI was linked to the slaying of Shahzad has added pressure on the agency, already facing criticism following the killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad. The ISI had issued a rare media statement denying it was behind the killing.
“It’s regrettable that some sections of media have taken upon themselves to use the incident for targeting and maligning the ISI,” an official of the agency said.
Investigative journalist Shahzad was found dead near the Head Rasul area in Mandi Bahauddin, nearly 130 kilometres from Islamabad, after going missing from Islamabad.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan had earlier expressed alarm about Shahzad’s disappearance and described as “exceedingly disturbing” reports that he might have been abducted by a state agency.