Latest news with #US-Pakistan
News18
a day ago
- Health
- News18
Free The Doctor Who Helped Track Down Osama Bin Laden, US Congressman Tells Bilawal Bhutto
Last Updated: Dr Shakil Afridi, who helped the CIA locate Osama Bin Laden, remains imprisoned in Pakistan with US Congressman Brad Sherman urging Pakistan to release him To the United States, he is a hero who played a crucial role in one of the most consequential manhunts in modern history. To Pakistan, he's a traitor whose actions embarrassed the nation and revealed gaping holes in its security establishment. Fourteen years on, Dr Shakil Afridi, the Pakistani doctor who aided the CIA in tracking down Osama Bin Laden, continues to languish in a prison cell with his fate sealed in secrecy, politics, and silence. Now, his case has returned to the diplomatic spotlight. US Congressman Brad Sherman reignited the call for Dr Afridi's release, urging a Pakistani delegation led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to press Pakistan to free the incarcerated doctor. Releasing Dr Afridi would be a meaningful gesture, especially for the families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks, Sherman said. His plea underscores a longstanding strain in US-Pakistan relations over the issue. Who Is Dr Shakil Afridi? Dr Shakil Afridi was a government doctor in the restive Khyber tribal region when he was approached to run a vaccination campaign; not for public health, but for espionage. Under the guise of a hepatitis B immunisation drive, Dr Afridi's job was to collect DNA samples from residents in Abbottabad, a military garrison town about 160 kilometres from Peshawar. US intelligence agencies hoped these samples would confirm the presence of Osama Bin Laden in a mysterious compound there. According to reports from National Geographic and the BBC, in April 2011, Dr Afridi knocked on the gates of the fortress-like house where Bin Laden was hiding. The plan was to gather biological evidence without arousing suspicion. While it remains unclear whether he ever secured DNA samples from Bin Laden's relatives, the information he helped gather confirmed suspicions about the terror chief's location. On May 2, 2011, US Navy SEALs stormed the Abbottabad compound and killed Osama Bin Laden. The raid stunned the world, and humiliated Pakistan. That Bin Laden had been living for years near a prestigious military academy without detection triggered global questions about Pakistan's role or negligence. Dr Afridi's life had been tumultuous even before his involvement in the Bin Laden operation. In 2008, he was abducted by Mangal Bagh, a terrorist who led Lashkar-e-Islam, a Pakistani terror group. His family was forced to pay a ransom of 1 million Pakistani rupees for his release. Afterward, Dr Afridi briefly moved to the US but returned to Pakistan in 2009, reportedly dissatisfied with American life. Twenty days after Bin Laden's death, on May 23, 2011, Pakistani authorities arrested Dr Afridi. Initially charged with treason – a charge not formally pursued – he was instead convicted in 2012 by a tribal court for allegedly financing Lashkar-e-Islam. Ironically, the 'financing" was the ransom money his family paid for his own freedom years earlier. He was sentenced to 33 years in prison under archaic colonial laws, later reduced to 23 years on appeal. Dr Afridi, now held in the high-security Sahiwal Central Jail in Punjab province, has remained largely invisible since. A rare interview he gave to Fox News from prison in 2012 detailed how he was beaten and tortured by Pakistani intelligence operatives. His appeal remains pending in court, and his legal fate is tangled in bureaucratic inertia and political unease. Did He Know the Target Was Osama Bin Laden? A lingering mystery remains: Did Dr Afridi know he was helping hunt the world's most wanted terrorist? Some US officials suggest he had no idea. A National Geographic report claims that while he cooperated with the CIA, he likely did not know that the target was Osama Bin Laden. To Pakistan, however, the nuances hardly matter. His collaboration with a foreign intelligence agency was, in the words of former ISI chief Asad Durrani, 'one of the most unforgivable crimes". 'There was so much public outrage," Durrani said in a 2021 interview, 'his arrest possibly saved him from being lynched." Since his arrest, Dr Afridi's family has vanished from public view. His wife, once a principal at a government school, and their three children have reportedly been living underground due to continuous threats from terrorist groups and hardline sympathisers. Their location remains undisclosed for safety reasons. There were discussions over a possible prisoner swap – Dr Afridi in exchange for Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist convicted in the US on terrorism charges. But the talks stalled, and no deal was ever reached. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : 9/11 attack Osama bin Laden pakistan Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: June 09, 2025, 13:39 IST News world Free The Doctor Who Helped Track Down Osama Bin Laden, US Congressman Tells Bilawal Bhutto
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Bilawal briefs US lawmakers about India's belligerence
WASHINGTON: A high-level parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, headed by former foreign minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met with members of US House Foreign Affairs Committee led by Chairman Brian Mast and Ranking Member Gregory Meeks to discuss regional peace, the recent crisis in South Asia, and avenues for strengthened US-Pakistan relations. Bilawal briefed the committee on India's recent provocations and military strikes targeting civilians, warning that the escalating conflict poses a grave threat to regional stability. He described India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a flagrant violation of international law, endangering the livelihoods of millions in Pakistan and setting a dangerous precedent for the weaponization of vital resources. He also highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), reiterating Pakistan's long-standing position that the people of IIOJK must be granted their internationally recognized right to self-determination. Pakistan's delegation engages US congress on regional tensions Commending the United States for its past role in facilitating de-escalation between India and Pakistan, he reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to peace through diplomacy. The delegation also emphasised the importance of enhancing trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. The members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee welcomed the delegation's insights and reaffirmed their strong support for the people and Government of Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistani delegation held a productive meeting with Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker. The members of delegation appreciated the role played by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in facilitating the Pakistan-India ceasefire. They expressed hope that it would create space for sustainable peace and stability in South Asia through dialogue. The delegation shared its concern over India's unprovoked aggression, continued hostile rhetoric, and unlawful suspension of Indus Waters Treaty.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Isolating' Pakistan not in US interest: think tank
A US think tank has advised the Trump administration to pursue a pragmatic and interest-driven relationship with Pakistan, emphasising that isolating the South Asian nation is counterproductive to American national security interests. "Isolating Pakistan is not in the United States' national security interests. Pakistan's cooperation, even if selective and limited, is better than its intransigence," reads a report of Hudson Institute, a research organization promoting American leadership for a secure, free, and prosperous future. Titled "Engaging Pakistan in a New Era of US Foreign Policy", the report is the product of the US-Pakistan Study Group, comprising seasoned diplomats and analysts. Contributors include Former Ambassador Husain Haqqani, Sahar Khan, Michael Kugelman, Ambassador Cameron Munter, Ambassador Anne Patterson, Ambassador Robin Raphel, Harlan Ullman, Dr Marvin Weinbaum, and Uzair Younus. The report says the United States and Pakistan have a long history of working together. Moving forward, both countries could benefit from identifying common interests and cooperating accordingly. Even selective or limited cooperation from Pakistan is seen as more valuable than disengagement. The report says the recent India-Pakistan crisis reportedly brought the two nuclear-armed South Asian countries to the brink of war before the United States intervened and pulled them back. "This crisis highlights the need for continued US engagement with Pakistan, a critical country in a geostrategic location with which Washington has historically had a complex relationship," it adds. The relationship between Pakistan and the United States has weathered many ups and downs. In the opening months of his second term, President Donald Trump has indicated that he intends to adopt a more pragmatic foreign policy, one that maintains relations even with countries that hold beliefs or values different from his own, according to the report. As a result, the relationship between the United States and Pakistan has a better chance of improvement than it has enjoyed in recent yearsif both countries' leaders are able to focus on shared interests rather than ideological differences. In the aftermath of the 2025 crisis, US policymakers are emphasising the importance of engaging with both India and Pakistan to prevent and manage crises between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Given the serious threat posed by any future conflict or nuclear escalation in South Asia, the United States is encouraged to take an active role in mediation efforts during such crises. The experience of past administrations has shown that Pakistan's strategic calculus about India is unlikely to change through either incentives or pressure. Instead, a more realistic approach is advisedone that accepts Pakistan's self-perception and works within that framework rather than attempting to reshape it. Another area of mutual interest is counterterrorism. While the United States continues to monitor terrorist groups, Pakistan also faces internal threats from militant extremist organizations.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bilawal urges Trump to mediate talks between Pakistan, India over Kashmir
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan and current head of the Pakistan People's Party, leads a delegation to Washington, which played a key mediatory role in a ceasefire after Pakistan's conflict with India in May. Photo: AFP Listen to article Heading the Parliamentary Diplomatic Committee, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called on US President Donald Trump to play a role in defusing tensions between Pakistan and India. In an interview with AFP, Bilawal urged US President Donald Trump to play an active role in bringing India to the negotiating table for comprehensive talks with Pakistan. He stated that while Pakistan is open to discussions on terrorism, the central issue of any meaningful dialogue must be the Kashmir conflict. He highlighted the growing dangers posed by India, which used terrorism as a justification for military action, potentially destabilising the entire South Asian region. "The destiny of 1.7 billion people cannot be left to faceless non-state actors or India's so-called new normal," he warned. In a separate interview with Chinese media, Bilawal called out India for deliberately undermining regional peace through unilateral aggression on Pakistani soil. He stressed that the Pakistani community in the US must unite and contribute to shared goals of peace and prosperity. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to peace and dialogue, emphasising the country's role as a responsible actor amid rising tensions. The former FM appealed to the international community to support efforts for peace, noting that lasting stability in South Asia hinges on inclusive dialogue. A peaceful South Asia, with normalised trade relations between India and Pakistan, would bring widespread benefits to the region and beyond, he added. Bilawal further acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan's military leadership in the ongoing fight against terrorism. "We have consistently taken steps toward peace, while India continues its aggression," he said. "If India escalates the situation, Pakistan retains the right to respond accordingly." He also addressed the issue of Indian-sponsored terrorism in Balochistan, supporting terrorist groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and th Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He questioned whether this would lead to an ongoing cycle of conflict after every terrorist attack, given India's approach. Read more: India laying ground for 'first nuclear water war', says Bilawal Meanwhile, Bilawal held meetings with key figures, including Senator Tom Cotton, Congress members Liu Correa and Brian Mast, and senior officials from the US Department of Homeland Security. These discussions focused on regional cooperation, the Kashmir dispute, and the broader implications for US-Pakistan relations. During a talk at the Middle East Institute in Washington, he underscored the urgent need for the resolution of long-standing conflicts in the region. He reiterated Pakistan's willingness to engage in discussions on Kashmir, terrorism, and water issues, but emphasized the need for the US to act as a mediator to advance the dialogue. He pointed out that India's actions in Kashmir have violated international agreements and UN resolutions. He commended the recent US efforts in offering to mediate, which has re-internationalised the Kashmir issue, disproving India's narrative that Kashmir is a bilateral matter. He further stressed that Pakistan condemns terrorism and firmly rejects any involvement in recent incidents in Kashmir, calling for impartial international investigations, which India has so far rejected. Bilawal also raised concerns over India's threat to disrupt Pakistan's water supply under the Indus Water Treaty, describing this as a potential trigger for war. He urged the US and the international community to intervene and prevent this dangerous trend, warning of its catastrophic consequences for the entire region. Also read: South Asia at brink over Kashmir and Indus Water Treaty, Bilawal warns US lawmakers Reflecting on the recent conflict with India, he highlighted Pakistan's military victories, including the shooting down of Indian aircraft. He noted that, at the diplomatic level, the world has once again recognised the importance of Pakistan-India relations. He expressed hope for future cooperation between India and Pakistan, particularly in the areas of trade, water security, and environmental challenges like flooding and drought. He also proposed the possibility of an India-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which could enhance bilateral prosperity while benefiting regional and global stakeholders, particularly the US. Bilawal concluded the mission with a strong call for international support in ensuring lasting peace and stability in South Asia, stressing that both Pakistan and India must prioritise dialogue and cooperation to address shared challenges and secure a prosperous future for the region. Other members of the parliamentary delegation thanked the US for its positive response and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to peaceful resolutions of all unresolved issues. They also urged global leaders to support this critical diplomatic mission.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PM announces new era with Pak-US ties
ISLAMABAD: America's 249th birthday bash in Islamabad went full throttle on Wednesday as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a bold 'new era' in US-Pakistan relations – reminding everyone that Washington was one of Pakistan's earliest backers way back in 1947. At a glittering Independence Day celebration hosted by the US Embassy – a full month before July 4 – PM Sharif declared that Pakistan and America were stepping into a 'new era' of relations, while tossing sharp jabs at India and tipping his hat to Donald Trump. 'This is a new chapter,' Sharif told a high-profile crowd packed with political bigwigs, top brass, civil society members, and diplomats. 'We're committed to strengthening Pakistan-US relations. Both countries believe in democratic traditions and the supremacy of the constitution.' Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja were amongst the politicians that joined the ceremony. PM Sharif said that the US was one of the first nations to recognise Pakistan after its 1947 independence. He thanked Washington for decades of development support – but made sure no one forgot the cost Pakistan has paid fighting terror. 'We've lost over 90,000 lives. Our economy's taken a $150 billion hit,' he said. 'Pakistan's sacrifices in counterterrorism are second to none.' On this occasion, PM Sharif slammed India over the recent four-day war between the two nuclear armed rivals, branding the Pahalgam incident as a false-flag operation and accusing New Delhi of using the tragedy to target civilians. 'We called for an international investigation – India responded by bombing us,' he said, adding that Pakistan had responded in kind by shooting down six Indian aircraft. Still, the prime minister stressed his desire for regional peace. He credited international efforts, including those by US President Trump, for helping to de-escalate hostilities and secure a ceasefire. 'We appreciate President Trump's efforts in promoting peace and economic cooperation.' Meanwhile, acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker opened with a warm 'As-Salaam-Alaikum' – in Urdu, no less – as she spoke of shared values, mutual respect, and a future rich with potential. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
