Daniel case: US asks Pakistan to review its legal options

F.P. Report

WASHINGTON DC: United States has expressed grave concern on Friday over Pakistan Supreme Court’s decision to release the prime accusers involved in Daniel Pearl kidnapping and assassination. On this matter U.S has also called Pakistani government to “review its legal options to ensure justice”.

Pakistan Supreme Court gave ruling to release the prime accusers in the case on January 28th.

Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson addressed the matter saying that, “We are deeply concerned by the Pakistani Supreme Court’s ruling affirming the acquittal of individuals convicted by a Pakistani trial court for the kidnapping and murder of Daniel Pearl”. 

Wilkinson also expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government saying that, “we remain grateful for the Pakistani government’s opposition to these acquittals on appeal, in light of the Supreme Court’s decision, the Department of Justice reiterates that the United States stands ready to take custody of Sheikh to stand trial here on the pending charges against him.  He must not be permitted to evade justice for his charged role in Daniel Pearl’s abduction and murder.”

Furthermore Wilkinson mentioned that, Ahmad Omar Saeed Sheikh has long been indicted in the United States and must be held accountable for his crimes. 

Additionally, Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken expressed his views stating that, United States is deeply concerned by the Pakistani Supreme Court’s decision to acquit those involved in Daniel Pearl’s kidnapping and murder and any proposed action to release them. 

While mentioning the names of those involved, he added that, Ahmad Omar Saeed Sheikh was indicted in the United States in 2002 for hostage-taking and conspiracy to commit hostage-taking, resulting in the murder of Pearl, the South Asia Bureau Chief for the Wall Street Journal, as well as the 1994 kidnapping of another United States citizen in India. 

Blinken also questioned the decision of Pakistan’s highest court saying that, the court’s decision is an affront to terrorism victims everywhere, including in Pakistan.

Secretary of State emphasized that, the United States recognizes past Pakistani actions to hold Omar Sheikh accountable and notes that Sheikh currently remains detained under Pakistani law.

Secretary of State also stressed saying that “We expect the Pakistani government to expeditiously review its legal options to ensure justice is served”.

He remarked that, “We take note of the Attorney General’s statement that he intends to seek review and recall of the decision”.

Furthermore he also mentioned that the release of those involved would be an affront to Daniel Pearl’s family, to other terrorism victims around the world, and to the cause of justice. 

Furthermore, Secretary of State concluded by saying that, “We are also prepared to prosecute Sheikh in the United States for his horrific crimes against an American citizen”. He reaffirmed that, “We are committed to securing justice for Daniel Pearl’s family and holding terrorists accountable”.

Daniel Pearl was the South Asia bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal when he was abducted in Karachi in January 2002 while researching a story about armed fighters.