Sheikh Rasheed detained at Houston airport

WASHINGTION:

Awami Muslim League leader Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed was reportedly detained at a Houston airport for a few hours after he landed in the city on Thursday morning.

Talking to media after the incident, Rasheed said the airport’s immigration staff seized two cell phones he had been carrying, saving all data, including phone numbers, off them.

He maintained, however, the staff had dealt with him in a very polite manner. Rasheed added that they had informed him that the investigation was being carried out under directions from Washington.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Sherry Rehman said it is unethical to detain a political leader from any country for investigation, and added that Rasheed was released after she lodged a strong protest with the US authorities.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2012.