In a joint press statement, the senators said that they were “increasingly troubled by Ambassador Haqqani's treatment since he returned home to Pakistan, including the travel ban imposed on him. Like many in Washington, we are closely following Ambassador Haqqani's case.”
According to the press release, the senators have urged Pakistani authorities to resolve the matter swiftly. The senators asked Pakistan to “prevent the judicial commission investigating Ambassador Haqqani from becoming a political tool for revenge against an honorable man.”
Haqqani had stepped down from his post as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US in December 2011, after Mansoor Ijaz implicated him in the “memogate” scandal. He is currently on the Exit Control List, and is facing proceedings in the courts of Pakistan.
The senators added that the former Pakistani ambassador had served its country honourably in his role as a diplomat. “While we did not always agree with Ambassador Haqqani, and our exchange of views could be spirited at times, we always had the highest respect for him and knew he was serving his nation and government with patriotism and distinction. We regret that the Pakistani people have lost a tough-minded, eloquent, and principled advocate for their nation's interests now that Ambassador Haqqani has departed Washington.”
The press release further stated that the Pakistani people “can be proud of the service that Ambassador Haqqani has provided Pakistan, and we look forward to the day when he can once again serve the government and people of Pakistan as one of the nation's finest leaders."
In a related development, sources confirmed that the former ambassador’s wife and Presidential spokesperson Farahnaz Ispahani was currently in Washington DC.
Earlier on Tuesday, Husain Haqqani expressed fear for his life in an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph.
Haqqani said he fears that he will be murdered if he steps out of his residence as he has been branded a ‘traitor’ by ‘powerful quarters’ – a clear reference to the ISI. He has been residing at the prime minister’s house in Islamabad since his return to Pakistan on his resignation as the Ambassador.
He termed the issue as ‘psychological warfare’ against the government.
“I’m being called a traitor and an American lackey in the media with the clear encouragement of certain powerful quarters even though I’ve not been charged legally with anything.”
(Read: Threat to life: Haqqani fears he might be murdered)
Haqqani on Wednesday also challenged the constitution of the judicial commission probing the case.
He held a meeting with his legal team at the office of his former counsel Asma Jehangir wherein it was decided that a review petition will be filed in the Supreme Court over its decision to appoint a probe commission to look into the memo affair.
COMMENTS (37)
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Did we interfere in Watergate or Bill Clinton's scandals.........who are these senators to meddle in our internal affairs............there is something fishy ?
Everyone knows that ISI is not in control of Govt so Thats why People are Worried.
LOl...what have americans to do with the local laws of ouyr country? If Haqqani is not guilty, he would be freed otherwise will get due paunishment. You senators have no right to interfere with our judiciary. Okay????
@Singh: Mr singh please dont even try to pretend you know what happens in pakistani politics and in our foreign office, and lets not even discuss the drama of OBL "death" in pakistan. We all know what happened there and how much Obama benefitted from that drama for his election compaign. Pakistan army is very much there and the ISI is doing an excellent job of keeping 4 secret agencies, a super power and taliban together at bay from God forbid destroying pakistan. We know our country, our army and we know who to support and how to defend out country, please dont advise us on what to do.
@Faheem: Yes! He should go back to his own country but after serving the PUNISHMENT in Pakistan. And after that his citizenship must be cancelled. Salams to Pakistan & you.
Dont they know he is staying in Prime Minister house.Free stay,free food,free entertainment.
Most of you might not know Mr. HH serve his country at best. He defend your country after May 2nd, I doubt any body else has done such a brilliant job to face the music of whole media here. In door you might plead or cry but in front of camera to defend the indefensible need art of par excellence. You guys are bunch nut shell who does not know worth of that kind of person. Where were your so called best in the world army when your nation need it to defend its border. They might be selling pie some where in GHQ. After all previous act in your country, Your army always caught napping. Your nation should ask them more question than any body else. Wise up, find the real culprit & cure. Please post this as is.
I wonder why these senators are not troubled by unlimited issues troubling american citizens on daily basis, health, joblessness, housing etc. They must be genuinely concerned about pakistan and its well being.
Pakistan is deeply troubled by the treatment of Bradley manning and 60 gitmo prisoners some of whom where arrested as children
@Rao Amjad Ali: Yes HH is not a US citizen we all know. But since mullah/military/judiciary alliance has assumed him guilty, it adds more weight to call him foreigner (American) and hint treason on his part. On the other hand the double agent Mansoor has never been a Pakistani friend let alone a Pakistani is more dear and credible! All the writings of Mansoor against Pakistan and ISI have ben ignored.
John McCain misses no opportunity to seek attention. He should receive a medal from Pakistan's civilian government for showing his deep concerns for the wellbeing of the former ambassador to the U.S. - Husain Haqqani.
What happened to the judicial commission looking into how OBL spent 5 peaceful, enjoyable years in Abottabad with his several wives and children ?
Isn't Sen. McCain the man who introduced legislation to cut off aid to Pakistan??? Now they want their man to be reinstated. At least the US is consistent in protecting their assets. His wife is debreifing them on her trip to Washiington, DC.
Hypocrite politicians -
This proves whose agent Hussain Haqqani really was and where were his loyalties!!!
To give a broader perspective, its interesting to note that US citizen Mrs. F. Isfahani had only two days ago reached USA from Islamabad. She had an ''interview'' with Mr Blitzer on CNN, her questions and following answers sounded oddly well rehearsed. Obviously she is using her ''network'' to orchestrate a media hype and soft power to bring back her beloved husband.
These ''concern'' shown by luminaries such as the ones named above----is amusing. Can I remind them about the Kangaroo courts and human right abuses under their own noses.They ought to be concerned about them more than worrying about some dodgy Pakistani citizens.
US senators should know better before making statement in favor of honorable ambassador Haqqani to the brain washed khaki backed media and their hangers on. If it comes from US it is a kiss of death to Ambassador Haqqani! Pakistan Paindabad!
Dear US Senators, may we dare take the liberty to request you to get Mr Haqqani appointed as the Royal American Ambassodor to Pakistan in place of Mr Munter. You will kill two birds with one stone!! He was your American man all the way!!!!
These comments are by and large without merit and incorrect. Mr. Haqqani is not a US citizen; when he became ambassador from Pakistan to the US, he gave up his green card. His wife is a US citizen. Were he a US citizen, this government might have some leverage in obtaining his release.
HH is only a US citizen in the minds of people who have already determined his guilt before any trial. "Friends of Democratic Pakistan" is an organization which is not going to sit idle on their hands while the elected govt is under threat again. The history of SC including this PCO SC, does not pass the smell test.
Yeah it is the collateral deaths we dont care about.....
Mr. Haqani is not a US citizen, he is a green card holder!
PAK judicial commission tract record is not as good as people who commented here claim.
The judicial commission will likely become a political horse trade and that is a reality. If Mr. Haqqani says nothing happened regarding memo gate then his word should be honored.
Why is he vilified and the business man is off the hook. Besides, even if memo gate were true the PAK president has every authority to seek help in the interest of the country.
Are PAK people not worried regarding the concerns from PAK president's office in the alleged memo gate?
Strange how the issues are viewed in PAK when it comes to their military.
Don't forget that Haqqani is a US citizen, that's why they are concerned.
Vow! From this outburst of support for Mr. Haqqani it is quite clear that American interest has not been served! probably the rate of issuing visas has gone down! You guys will never learn!
what business is it of theirs anyways?
Mr McCain, in a statement said "The senators asked Pakistan to “prevent the judicial commission investigating Ambassador Haqqani from becoming a political tool for revenge against an honorable man.”
Thats gross contempt and ridicule of the court , implying that its a dirty-tricks department of the establishment. Have the honorable justices, whose impartiality cannot be questioned, issues contempt of court notices to US senators McCain ? How about putting him on Entry-control-list ?
Let the commission consisting of at least three chief justices of high court conduct an inquiry. Dear Senators, we have a system in Pakistan -- kind let it work. I believe our system is much better than you folks have in Guantanamo Bay.
Haqqani hasn't been charged with a crime yet in the minds of many he's guilty and some even posts comments calling for his assassination. I guess I shouldn't be surprised - your a country where the thug who assassinated an honorable Governor is put on a pedestal and you worship the gun he used - something seriously wrong with your moral compass. Asking for a quick resolution to this issue is the right thing to do -- even if it took an American to ask it.
Please release US Ambassador Haqqani and let him go back to his country.
Any sane person will be troubled except who indulge in dirty politics and bully anyone and everyone to keep their 'might' intact within Pakistan but outside they are most incompetent people.
Wow ... the same senators who authorized National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), H.R. 1540, a law that authorizes the military to arrest and indefinitely detain American citizens suspected of terrorism without charge or trail. Theses senators seems to be concerned about justice and fair-play overseas only.
Thank you, Sen McCain. This is good enough to keep them from hurting him. Stay put, Ambassador rescue is on the way. I already stated he needs to go into Any Embassy and seek asylum there......