US congress pushes for Dr Shakil Afridi's release

Secretary of State John Kerry faces tough questioning by Congressmen after proposal of $500 million aid for Pakistan

WASHINGTON: The Obama administration was criticised by US Congress on Wednesday for extending financial support to Pakistan despite Islamabad's reluctance to release Dr Shakil Afridi, The News reported. 

Lawmakers put forward several tough questions for Secretary of State John Kerry after US administration's proposal of $500 million aid for Pakistan.

A California lawmaker said the man who helped US kill Osama bin Laden was languishing in a jail, yet the administration was considering a hug sum of aid for such a country.

Read: US seeks 10% cut in economic  assistance to Pakistan

“In my viewpoint a great friend is he who is a great enemy of a US enemy,” said Congressman Dana Rohrabacher.

Read: Lawyer quits Shakil Afridi case over threats

Responding to Congressman's diatribe, Kerry said he had raised the issue with former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari and incumbent Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and told them that to keep Afridi in jail was not only injustice, but also against principles for which Washington has been making efforts.

Read: Kerry-Lugar Act: Congress notifies $532m aid for Pakistan, Olson tells Dar

He further added that the issue could only be resolved in a diplomatic manner and through repeated talks.