WASHINGTON: US State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland, offering US reaction to the sentencing of Dr Shakil Afridi on Wednesday, said that they see no basis for Dr Afridi to be held.
In a press briefing, Nuland said that the Secretary of State and Defense have addressed this issue in the past. She said said that they have regularly taken up the issue of Dr Shakil Afridi with Pakistan, and will continue to do so.
In response to a question, Nuland refused to comment on his sentencing.
Afridi verdict shocking
Meanwhile, US Senators John McCain and Carl Levin termed the sentencing of Dr Afridi as ‘shocking’ in a joint statement.
“It is shocking and outrageous that Dr Shakil Afridi, the Pakistani doctor who assisted the United States in the search for Osama bin Laden, has been sentenced to 33 years in prison for the crime of treason,” the statement read.
“What Dr Afridi did is the furthest thing from treason. It was a courageous, heroic, and patriotic act, which helped to locate the most wanted terrorist in the world – a mass murderer who had the blood of many innocent Pakistanis on his hands,” it defended Dr Afridi.
“Dr Afridi’s actions were completely consistent with the multiple, legally-binding resolutions passed over many years by the United Nations Security Council, which required member-states to assist in bringing Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda network to justice. Dr Afridi set an example that we wish others in Pakistan had followed long ago. He should be praised and rewarded for his actions, not punished and slandered,” it said.
They then demanded that Dr Afridi be released. “We call upon the Pakistani government to pardon and release Dr Afridi immediately.”
“At a time when the United States and Pakistan need more than ever to work constructively together, Dr Afridi’s continuing imprisonment and treatment as a criminal will only do further harm to US-Pakistani relations, including diminishing Congress’s willingness to provide financial assistance to Pakistan,” it warned.
Pakistan at war with US?
US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher said that Dr Shakil Afridi’s prison sentence is “decisive proof that Pakistan sees itself as being at war” with the US.
In a press statement, Republican Rep. Rohrbacher said, “there is no shared interest against Islamic terrorism. On 9/11, Pakistan was coordinating the efforts of the Taliban who were in league with Osama bin Laden. In 2012, Pakistan is still working very closely with the Taliban, whose leader Mullah Omar was plotting with Bin Laden right up until he was killed, according to documents taken from Bin Laden’s Pakistan home. Pakistan was and remains a terrorist state.”
Rep. Rohrabacher, who is also the chairman for the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, had earlier this year introduced two bills calling for Afridi to be given US citizenship, and that he be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
The press release said that the US congressman was “dismayed” that the bill had not been brought to the House floor for a vote. “Dr Afridi came through for the American people, now it is our time to come through for him.”
“Advocates of aid argue we should draw a distinction between the civilian government and the military-intelligence cabal who are supporting terrorist groups that murder Americans, but President [Asif Ali] Zardari’s behavior at the Nato summit in Chicago indicates that he is either in league with the military or under their domination. Any money that goes to Islamabad will continue to end up in the pockets of people actively and deadly hostile to America.
“Secretary Clinton will have to do more than voice protests over the Afridi case. Both the Departments of State and Defense need to take punitive actions against Pakistan. Carrots are not enough when dealing with an adversary. Sticks are needed to prove we are serious. Cutting off aid to the regime while providing support to groups like the Balochi people who are oppressed by Islamabad will send a message that it doesn't pay to confront America,” said Rep. Rohrabacher.
“Pakistan was invited to the Nato summit to foster cooperation, but no cooperation was evident. Pakistan is still keeping supply lines to Nato forces in Afghanistan blocked. As Nato withdraws, Pakistan sees its chance to increase its use of terrorist groups as its vanguard for taking over Afghanistan and spreading radical Islam throughout the region. We need to enlist Russia and India to support anti-Pakistan forces in Afghanistan such as the Northern Alliance. The Taliban is only the tip of the spear, the real enemy is Pakistan,” he added.
Rep. Rohrabacher’s amendment to the NDAA proposing all aid be cut off to Pakistan was defeated last week in a vote on the House floor.
COMMENTS (67)
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The U.S fianancial aid given to Pakastan are used by pakastani govt to fight the U.S through the sponsoring of various terroist groups.the pakastani govt can not deny that they don't know anything about Osama Bin Ladan and his terror group.
in todays world pakistan is like a mouse in the jungle and trying to make destruction to the lions residential area. soon or later this mouse will be recieved its end certificate.
@True Muslim Paki
'Killing of any Muslims like this is unacceptable.'
What about 'Killing of any Non-Muslim like this'? would that be acceptable?
It's also possible that the Dr. didn't even know that he was actually working for a foreign intelligence agency. Usually such operations are suitably camouflaged by agencies to conceal the identity of the end user.
I think the decision is correct and honestly the US.shouldnt really open their mouth in his defense. if they do, anyone arguing for the decision has to pull up Jonathan Pollard or Ben-ami Kadish.. both these individuals spied for Israel (U.S biggest ally) against the U.S (thats what Dr.Afridi did against the Pakistani Govt) and now both these fellows are in U.S jail so why can't the Pakistani Govt put Dr. Afridi in jail for spying? Just because they were spying for the U.S and for a good cause doesnt mean they don't serve the time!
I hope Bradley Manning receives Nobel Prize for exposing terrorist state
@Asad: what country..??? you mean pakistan that took billions pretending to look for osama while hiding him..?? hahahahahha
@Hasan: what nonsense are u talking? how can u sleep when thirty thousand of Ur fellow countrymen are dead by the so called Mujaheddin...if you have so much hatred towards USA, then my friend i can show you the way to Torkham border, across which you can drink American's blood
Why dont the US Navy Seals conduct another covert mission to extract him ... ?
@Rajendra Kalkhande: Imprisonment of Dr. Afridi for 33 years is a positive indication that Pakistan favors terrorists living on their soil and not those who want to get rid of these terrorists.
der is onething i dont understand dt why Afridi was given life sentence wn our Govt is against terrorism i dont get this point or may be pakistan law is different, condused
Dr. Shakeel Afridi is TRAITOR
either he helped for better cause or not
Thats it
Unfortunately it's the Pakistani people who are going to pay the price for this lunacy. Children of these military policymakers are studying in Switzerland and the US.
""Let us put the shoe on the other foot. What would happen to a US citizen who, under similar circumstances, collaborated with, say Russia, in killing a Chechyn insurgent accused of terrorism? Oh, an American might say, that would be different because Putin is a bad guy, while Americans are defending the world from terrorism, authoritarian government, and male dominance. As Madeline Albright put it, “We’re Americans; we see farther.”
Mr. Dana you ll have your teeth broken before you leave Afghanistan. No country ll allow its people to work for an extrensic intelligence agency. You want to deeply mix your CIAinto the veins of Pakistan. You are distend to get defeated. You had no reason to offend Iraq. You have no patiance to attack Pakistan, but you cannot lounch another offensive, as your economy is bursting. Shortly you have to vacant the seat for another super power to replace you. Your >10 years efforts in Afghanistan has earned you no respect.
Rohrabacher's comments actually have widespread acceptance amongst most Americans, Pakistanis, Indians, Russians, Iranians and Afghans ! Unfortunately, the Pakistani Military/ISI combine cannot seem to read the leaves in the teacup accurately anymore. Their days are numbered.
The Pakistani people will not tolerate militarism (army/isi), radicalism(talibs) or imperialism (us) for much longer. Something has to give and judging by the lawyers strikes and other events in the past the sleeping lion in this case is the people of Pakistan. India is not the enemy.
Its the toxic triad 'army-isi/taliban/usa' that is the real problem. The sooner Pakistanis realize this the faster they can take their own country back from these demons.
All Pakistanis fully appreciate the court decision. Killing of any Muslims like this is unacceptable!
They should accept the decision of court if they want rule of law.
Rohrabacher may be committing contempt of Pakistani courts ... there should be a warrant for him to be detained if he sets foot in Pakistan
We could not detain Raymond Davis ... so Afridi will do
People commenting here are simply stuck on Rohrabacher. He may/may not be taken seriously. But Senator John McCain and Senator Carl Levin are senior ranking senaotrs and their words have a lot of value. You may disagree with what they say but to ignore it by considering it trivial would be a mistake for Pakistan.
It would appear that some in Congress are finally discovering the real Pakistan -- you apparently want to make America your enemy -- good luck with that.
@SUGGESTION: If u have 0.1 per cent brain in you, then don't make ur suggestion. What if some Indian provided information to Pakistan as opposed to the Indian government. And then Pakistan took action in india against the terrorist in India.
@Shafique Ahmed Madani "Qurbani ka bakra baya where is the culprit who helped the world most wanted terrorist for being in Pakistan for ten years…?"
Two of them got extentions and are driving bmw-7 series. One just retired. I hope you know what i mean! Awam toils so that establishment can have luxuries. I hope US for once cuts off all the aid, as awam dont get most of it anyways. Most of the $$$ in aid goes to the pockets of khakis and politicians. Only in this unfortunate land where a man helped got rid of a lunatic who was responsible for killing of thousand of pakistani and poisoning their brains get punished. He should get a medal.
@Hasan: Islamabad is playing with fire. This fragile country needs only a little push to bring it on its knees. Don't underestimate.
no matter what ever he did he is a treason ! she should be sentenced to death for such a act which jepordize pakistan. it is our internal affair usa has no right to make a statement about this issue.
@Hamza Ahmad: 'Our Friends Are China'. Have you forgotten the two verbal they have given to Pakistan to supporting terrorism inside China.
@TheLastLaugh!: Someday Pakistan will be a parking lot for India.
Which law allows CIA to run fake vaccination programs for innocent children?
Putting lives of millions of innocent children at stake is even more dreadful than what that terrorist OBL had done!!!
Pakistan Should Have Hanged Dr Shakeel Afridi, Or May Be Trade Him For Dr Afia Release. And About Being Enemy... Pakistanis Know Very Well Who Is Our Friend And Who Is Our Enemy. Our Friends Are China And Iran, Those Who You Consider As Your Enemies.
Reading statements like this from US only makes one extremely glad to see the fate that they are suffering in Afghanistan. seriously, the pounding in afghanistan that has economically and militarily broken US and EU's back is a well deserved punishment!!!
Let us nominate Dr Shakil Afridi for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Congratulations, Pakistan, for the skill at which you empower your own enemies.
How come it's only ET who gives front-page coverage to all anti-Pak news, even when such news have no substance at all. Further, its moderators are doing a great job in inticing the hatred against the US and idiots like this senetor who is just being a ring wing bully.
I strongly believe that it's time that ET redefines its news converage policies. There has been some other coverage where ET certainly crossed the line and a serious reader can easily identify the ET's agenda behind these reporting.
Shame on ET!!!
[Now delete/delayed my comments as you have done many times in past]
@Hasan: Such cynicism... Your delight in the dark and subversive arts does not lead to a better world, I would think. No doubt the US has made major mistakes (including the tragic deaths), and no doubt the US has and continues to offended many Pakistanis through a naive combination of ignorance and occasional arrogance. But I can tell you that every American I know wants nothing but success and peace for Pakistan. The childish double-dealings and subversion you seem to so greatly enjoy will not make a better world. And do to the geographic location of Pakistan and the relative poverty of the nation, any slide towards chaos is likely to hurt Pakistani's much more than the US. Don't you agree?
@Hasan
Youre one awesome person! I am with you :)
Why am I not surprised that the USA continues to interfere in the internal matters of a country. They arrested a guy who was allegedly taking money from ISI and lobbying for Kashmiris right. This guy was working for a foreign gov and has rightly been punished.
this senator has forgotten one thing to mention,pakistan's role in apprehending key Al-Qaeda members after 09/11..just for a moment,imagine,if Pakistan had not been serious in its fight against terror, would this idiot senator have slept comfortably at night? second, Russia is not so stupid as Pakistani establishment which always be found ready to serve America..it is a golden opportunity for Russia to inflict the deadly blow on USA in Afghanistan to avenge its defeat in Afghanistan about 23 years ago..Dr Afridi is really a traitor by any definition not because he help USA kill Bin Laden but because he ran an illegal vaccination effort on behalf of USA and he is not yet clear how intimate he was to US CIA..
This is a world run on Macheavelli rules..Yesterday's friends are today's enemy..Every country seeks and tries to serve its self-interests. It is high time for Pakistan to secure its strategic and security interests by not allowing itself to be blackmailed on the name of aid and economy. USA has never been a true friend of anyone except Israel and every nation should realise this reality. You can secure your interests only by jeapordising the interests of others..US interest was to secure its homeland by attacking Afghanistan and now it has secured it..Now if US has a different agenda to be pursued on the name of " war against terror " then every sovereign nation must resist if it is to be secured at the cost of its national security.
Afridi is a hero not a villain! We should be thankful to him for helping find the most wanted person on this earth. Those deserve punishment who helped Laden remain escaped for so many years from long arm of the law in Pakistan.
@Najeebullah he only deserves awards if he has taken out OBL himself or with help of other Pakistanies once he found him. I totally disagree that ISI was protecting OBL as then nobody can come close to him or he would have been unarmed and unprotected. But yes we must punish who were not doing their job to checkout his complex.
Agreed with the "real enemy" part, but how come would you expect a peaceful Afghanistan when countries such as India and Russia have the interference.
@Skin Taj: You are right. Dr.Afridi did betray the country but he could have been kept in prision for the time being.Sentencing him at this point was rubbing us 's nose. Also my request to Indian friends. Please do not abuse the privildges of free expression by by posting non serious and also pretending to represent Pakistanis. Express tribune should also ask the writers to disclose the place of residence for the writers.
Rohrabacher you cry is right, US is Pak's enemy, killing innocent civilians in drone attacks and and brutal attacks like Salalah, only fools see US as a friend.
In pakistan a person who deserves awards and medals is thrown behind bars for 33 years...and a person who killed 40,000 pakistanis was given a luxury life in a military academy.
**Dear,
Free Dr Shakil Afridi
what you gain by sentencing him 33 years
by this america think you are there enemy
is pakistan gone mad.
ya closing nato routes was ok because america killed pakistan soldiers
but release Dr Shakil Afridi if you have 1 percent brain in your head.**
This man probably helped catching the terrorist in good faith. But taking DNA samples of general public under a fake vaccination program with the consent of the people is illegal and unethical not only in Pakistan but all around the world, esp in the developed countries. There are always privacy protection laws. Take the "catching criminal" part out of this story and you will see how guilty he is for doing what he did.
why international rules dont apply on pakistan? was US at war Israel when they convicted Jonathan Pollard on charges of spying for Israel???
exactly...
Somehow, Pakistani establishment believes that Kashmir and Afghanistan should be under its own control. Anything that goes against this belief is defended by supporting terrorist groups. This is our foreign policy in two sentences.
Well, I don't know much about these ""dirty politics "" these days..........or that old saying "MIGHT is RIGHT" I say !!!!!!!!! But as a layman...What I don't understand is ...... HOW COME IT IS OK TO PUT PEOPLE IN PRISON in GUTANOMUBAY for about 10 years or so without ""any trial"" .....and its NOT OK to jail a doctor, who betrayed his Govt.agencies( no matter how noble the cause was) !!!!!!! he should have been jailed first by the health authorities & General Medical Council for violating ethical issues, which he swore to ,when he became a Doctor, as running a fake blood taking campaign !!!! So basically he assaulted all those poor people by taking blood in the vicinity !!!!!! All those people he took blood from around Osama bin Laden house , should file a case against this DOCTOR for a assault !!!!!!!
@realist pakistani: You are absolutely right!
I wonder if Pakistani policy makers are in sucide mode. They are on purpose trying to alienate and humiliate Usa . Pakistan is not Iran. Iranians are ten times more richer than Pakistan
I find it funny to see Pakistani media publicizing this guys statements. No one even takes him seriously in the US. This is simply an attempt to get views by the express tribune. The Republican party has become a party of the 19th century and this guy is a dinosaur even by Republican standards. There are more pressing matters at hand anyway and we cannot keep on crying about our violation of sovereignty. Pakistan isn't going to get an apology from the US and needs to be realistic and swallow its pride and work with the US to get the best possible deal it can. They are a superpower and we need to improve ourselves before having such an inflated ego.
he if very right. I aam ashamed to admt it but it is true. we have been charging them fees as collision support fund and aid as well and when the person that they were looking for was found right in the generals courtyard not a single head rolls from our intelligence agencies. and to ice it we are procecuting the person who helped them catch the culprit. we have to wake up.
Rep. Rohrabacher: "We need to enlist Russia and India to support anti-Pakistan forces in Afghanistan such as the Northern Alliance. The Taliban is only the tip of the spear, the real enemy is Pakistan.” Not only yours, Pakistan is its own enemy too.
Qurbani ka bakra baya where is the culprit who helped the world most wanted terrorist for being in Pakistan for ten years...?
Imprisonment of Dr Afridi is going to infuriate more and more people. We will see more and more world leaders taking hard positions against Pakistan. I am not very optimistic that Pakistan will look at the terrorism the same way as rest of the world.
Rohrbacher is a complete idiot and presumambly in the pocket of the India lobby.
He's quite right except for partnering with India and Russia part.