Pakistani doctor who helped find Bin Laden gets 33 years in prison

[faye]

and bhutto said osama died in 2007. who knows for sure?

[Toramana]

Actually if Pakistan is really sincere to war on terror then they should'nt be angry at shakeel afridi. The osama house is right next to army cantt and abbotabad is full of ISI spies. So it is safe to say that army/ISI was hiding Osama. They are playing double game with america and america knows it but is quiet?

That is exactly the case. For a decade since 2001, Punjabi media and Paki-Punjabi generals true to their deceptive/crafty nature were telling the world the world most wanted terrorist is hiding somewhere in tribal area in some sanctuary provided to him by some Pashtun. Dr. Afridi helped undo this lie/deception and recover Osama from a safe-house constructed for him by Pakistani intelligence agencies.

So US played this game to humiliate the deceiving Punjabi generals. And Afridi put in his lot.

Now all these people including Talal and haviZsultan stand de-panted and universally humiliated. An excellent revenge for all the negative propaganda Punjabi media, politicians, analysts, military, etc. were propagating against Pashtuns.

All Pashtuns should be thankful to Dr. Afridi.

[Toramana]

US to press for release of Pakistani doctor who helped find Bin Laden
State department says there is 'no basis' for Shakil Afridi's 33-year sentence for his part in fake CIA vaccine drive


The US has said it will press for the release of a Pakistani doctor who has been jailed for 33 years for running a fake CIA vaccination programme as part of the hunt for Osama bin Laden.

The US state department said there is "no basis" for the arrest and detention of Dr Shakil Afridi, the former surgeon-general of Khyber, who was convicted of treason over the scheme to identify Bin Laden through DNA.

But even as senior American politicians denounced the sentence as "outrageous", the Obama administration shied away from strong comment on the trial itself as officials said that the legal process is not at an end. Officials are hoping that the sentence can be shortened or overturned on appeal.

"We continue to see no basis for these charges, for him being held, for any of it," said the state department spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland. "We will continue to make representations."

Privately, Obama administration officials are angered by Afridi's arrest and trial which is further evidence of the sharp deterioration in relations with Pakistan. They say that the doctor did not act against Pakistan but against al-Qaida.

Two US senators, John McCain and Carl Levin, denounced Afridi's conviction and demanded his immediate release.

"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-Qaida network to justice," the two senior Senators on the armed services committee said in a joint statement.

"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.

"At a time when the US and Pakistan need more than ever to work constructively together, 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."

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, chairman of a foreign affairs subcommittee, demanded the Obama administration take punitive action against Pakistan.

"This is decisive proof Pakistan sees itself as being at war with us," he said.

Afridi's sentence will further alarm western critics of Pakistan who say the country has put far more effort into trying to understand how US spies and special forces were able to plan and launch the Bin Laden raid than into how the al-Qaida leader was able to remain for so long in the Pakistani army garrison town of Abbottabad.

The sentence was announced just days after Barack Obama snubbed the Pakistani president, Asif Ali Zardari, by refusing to hold a formal meeting with him at the Nato conference in Chicago.

In January, Leon Panetta, the US defence secretary, said he was "very concerned" about the arrest of Afridi after Pakistan's intelligence service discovered he had set up a fake hepatitis B vaccination scheme with his nurses going from house to house in Abbottabad in the weeks before the raid on Bin Laden's hideout in May last year.

"For them to take this kind of action against somebody who was helping to go after terrorism, I just think it is a real mistake on their part," Panetta said in January.

There had been hopes that Afridi would eventually be quietly released after the controversy surrounding the Bin Laden raid had subsided.

US intelligence officials say the clandestine operation by Afridi did not succeed in determining whether Bin Laden was in the house and the raid went ahead without any certainty that the Navy Seal team would find its target.

However, Pakistani security officials recently told the Guardian that although the nurses working for Afridi were not allowed inside the house to vaccinate any of the children, they did succeed in getting a mobile phone number for someone in the house.

The Pakistani sources say that phone call allowed the CIA to make a voice match to Bin Laden's private courier, a man known as Abu Ahmed al-Kuwaiti.

US aid groups have complained that the bogus vaccination operation undermined their efforts "to eradicate polio, provide critical health services, and extend life-saving assistance during times of crisis" in Pakistan. The ruse may have fuelled fears, backed by religious extremists, that polio drops are a western conspiracy to sterilise the population.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/may/23/us-release-doctor-bin-laden?newsfeed=true

[faye]

another u.s.- pakistan drama.

[Admin Khan]

Frankly from a Pakistani perspective- at least a liberal Pakistani's perspective it would have been an utmost honor to have the blood of bin laden on our hands. We wished to take him down and we would have wanted an opportunity to kill him. But by him helping US take him down he dishonoured us and did not let us have the opportunity.

Really? He was living in the military garisson city of Abbotabad, a few miles away from the military -- are you seriously going to tell me the Pakistani government had no clue he was there? If Pakistanis really wanted Bin Laden out, they could've honored this Afridi, instead they want to send him to jail. Absolutely hilarious. Chose 1 side, and stick with it. It's a known fact that the Pakistani military brass plays a double game, and they support terrorism for their 'strategic depth' purposes. What a nation, full of twisted politicians.

Plus Shakil Afridi has done a great disservice to Pashtuns. In Pakhtunkhwa there is already the problem of polio and the taliban are clearly going to use this to score points. No conservative family will be willing to let their child have drops of the medicine in the fear that it is a CIA attempt to frame them for terrorism or make their people infertile.

But as a liberal Pakistani, you should be praising him for providing a lead to kill him! It doesn't matter who shot him, shouldn't you be doing the Attan since he is killed, if that's what you believe? Or is it that you wanted to use Osama for a few more billion dollars in "searching for him", and since now the game is over, no more asking for khairat from the west.

This isn't an attempt against Pashtuns. In fact Pashtuns in Pakistan are fully supporting this. He is a traitor to Pashtuns who has left thousands of problems for the Pakistani Pashtun.

That's what you think. Truth is, you didn't expect the Americans to be straightforward in not viewing your country as sovereign. You thought at least in the media, they'd consider you to 'appear' sovereign. Imagine a Pakistani jet flying in New York, uf-oh just imagine the backlash. Pakistani is a banana republic, with no laws or respect for morality. Innocent journalists get abducted for speaking out, and people get jailed for helping Pakistan accomplish what they claimed they were doing all along! In fact, Pervez Musharraf said he doesn't even exist in Pakistan, seems like the lies run in the blood for Pakistani politicians.

[Admin Khan]

Actually if Pakistan is really sincere to war on terror then they should'nt be angry at shakeel afridi. The osama house is right next to army cantt and abbotabad is full of ISI spies. So it is safe to say that army/ISI was hiding Osama. They are playing double game with america and america knows it but is quiet?

I respect your honesty here, jheshtya darta wayama Luppy me pikar na kawey che ta ba dasey makh a makh jheshtya owaya. Da Nokia khabara Saloot.

At times, I just can't stop laughing at the Pakistani apologists, who look at every attempt to justify their nonsense. I hope Pakistan realizes that once the US media milks this in all their outlets, it will be a big blow for Pakistani nationals. Their government will officially be viewed as terrorists; since they harbor terrorists, support terrorism, and jailed someone who gave a lead to the worlds most wanted man. Afsos yaara. Da singa mulk dey. I guess the Indians aren't wrong sometimes. No wonder at times Indians and Afghans are so fed-up with this headache next to them.

Case and point: HaviSultan's response.

[Admin Khan]

haviZSultan, my Indic friend say something that makes sense----Dr Afridi has done great service to Pastuns/Afghans by helping to bring to justice the person who was responsible for killing so many Afghans/Pashtuns . And don't disguise your own humiliation and that of your Indic compatriots that this brave Pashtun exposed with concerns for Pashtuns.

No Toramana, you are wrong! He did not! He should be jailed since he infringed on Pakistans Sovereignty! Because of him, US jets humiliated this pseudo-nuclear armed nation! Da sa bakwas dey, Afridi should be jailed for life for not contacting the rag-tag ISI first! Because of this sell-out Pukhtun, now the Punjabi elite can't fill up their stomachs with US aid post-2014.

[Admin Khan]

What would be your reaction towards any afghan who is cooperating with ISI in afghanistan?

I already know, and get what your trying to get at. How dare this Pakistani cooperate with the CIA! Think about this Luffy, Pakistan has been dancing for years claiming they are "haunting for Osama" and how he is not in Pakistan, etc,etc. And as you said, clearly the establishment knew about it. Now if this man, tells the CIA, look I'm going to make your life, along with Pakistan's life(since Pakistan claims they want him dead as well)and assist you in capturing him, what's the big deal? Clearly both him and the CIA knew that if ISI is notified, they will shift him around, how else can this man live in a military city? Now all of a sudden, Pakistan is offended because their 'Sovereignty is infringed'? Pakistani apologists can spare this nonsense, and keep it strictly in their Pak studies class room. Anybody with a brain can see the hypocrisy in this. Let me tell you what the real problem is, aid! Now if Pakistan was a staunch opponent of the US, and they supported Osama, it would make sense to jail him! But the fact that they claimed the opposite, then jail the man who does just what they said they were doing is beyond mind-boggling! Samjha kar!

Any Afghan who is working for the destruction of Afghanistan should be jailed. Any Pakistani who is working for the destruction of Pakistan should be jailed. If an Afghan, who works for the ISI, is detrimental to Afghan interests, I'm sure you get the point. What Pakistan doesn't realize is, by meddling in Afghan affairs, NDS will retaliate right back. Especially now that they get paid just as much(if not more) and has about 50,000 agents on their payroll. I'm sure you get my drift, about this tit-for-tat game. Notice how when a bomb last occurs in Kabul, Peshawar or a city is targeted right back. Now that Afghanistan will be getting nearly $5billion a year, they will beef up and increase their retaliation if need be.

We should work for peace Luffy, not hatred.

[Admin Khan]

He was convicted by a tribal court I don't know how the race card comes into play here

Nobody used the race card Talal, all I did was expose the hypocrisy of the Pakistani regime. Think about it from a non-Pakistani point of view. For a further elaboration on my stance, read my response to our very own Havi bhai.

However, just for kicks.

Dr Afridi, who is now being held in jail in Peshawar, was not present in court so was unable to give his side of the story.

Can you guess why he was not present? Tsk,tsk.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18175964

[Michin Khel]

Admina just for interest i want to share some predictions of Maulana abdul kalam azad in his interview of 1946, a famous congress leader who was against the idea of pakistan. His vision was amazing, the funny thing is that nobody in pakistan knows about him,

The prominent Muslims who are supporters of Muslim League will leave for Pakistan. The wealthy Muslims will take over the industry and business and monopolise the economy of Pakistan. But more than 30 million Muslims will be left behind in India. What promise Pakistan holds for them? The situation that will arise after the expulsion of Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan will be still more dangerousfor them. Pakistan itself will be afflicted by many serious problems. The greatest danger will come from international powers who will seek to control the new country, and with the passage of time this control will become tight. India will have no problem with this outside interference as it will sense danger and hostility from Pakistan

About bengal he said,

The other important point that has escaped Mr Jinnah0„30…4s attention is Bengal. He does not know that Bengal disdains outside leadership and rejects it sooner or later. During World War II, Mr Fazlul Haq revolted against Jinnah and was thrown out of the Muslim League. Mr H. S. Suhrawardy does not hold Jinnah in high esteem. Why only Muslim League, look at the history of Congress. The revolt of Subhas Chandra Bose is known to all. Gandhiji was not happy with the presidentship of Bose and turned thetide against him by going on a fast unto death at Rajkot. Subhas Bose rose against Gandhiji and disassociated himself from the Congress. The environment of Bengalis such that it disfavours leadership from outside and rises in revolt whenit senses danger to its rights and interests. The confidence of East Pakistan will not erode as long as Jinnah and Liaquat Ali are alive. But after them any small incident will create resentment and disaffection. I feel that it will not be possible for East Pakistan to stay with West Pakistan for any considerable period of time. There is nothing common between the two regions except that they call themselves Muslims. But the fact of being Muslim has never created durable political unity anywhere in the world. The Arab World is before us; they subscribe to a common religion, a common civilisation and culture and speak a common language. In fact they acknowledge even territorial unity. But there is no political unity among them. Their systems of government are different and they are often engaged in mutual recrimination and hostility. On the other hand, the language, customs and way of life of East Pakistan are totally different from West Pakistan. The moment the creative warmth of Pakistan cools
down, the contradictions will emerge and will acquire assertive overtones. These will be fuelled by the clash of interests of international powers and consequently both wings will separate. After the separation of East Pakistan, whenever it happens, West Pakistan will become the battleground of regional contradictions and disputes. The assertion of sub-national identities of Punjab, Sind, Frontier and Balochistan will open the doors for outside interference. It will not be long before the international powers use the diverse elements of Pakistani political leadership to break the country on the lines of Balkan and Arab states. Maybe at that stage we will ask ourselves, what have we gained and what have we lost.

About two nation theory he said,

The real issue is economic development and progress, it certainly is not religion. Muslim business leaders have doubts about their own ability and competitive spirit. They are so used to official patronage and favours that they fearnew freedom and liberty. They advocate the two-nation theory to conceal their fears and want to have a Muslim state where they have the monopoly to control the economy without any competition from competent rivals. It will be interesting to watch how long they can keep this deception alive

The most interesting predictions,

I feel that right from its inception, Pakistan will face some very serious problems:
1. The incompetent political leadership will pave the way for military dictatorship as it has happened in many Muslim countries.
2. The heavy burden of foreign debt.
3. Absence of friendly relationship with neighbours and the possibility of armed conflict.
4. Internal unrest and regional conflicts.
5. The loot of national wealth by the neo-rich and industrialists of Pakistan.
6. The apprehension of class war as aresult of exploitation by the neo-rich.
7. The dissatisfaction and alienation of the youth from religion and the collapse of the theory of Pakistan.
>>8. The conspiracies of the international powers to control Pakistan

[Shah-i-Kot]

Again, one needs to look at this in as an objective way as possible. While that may be difficult for some, its necessary to figure out what exactly is going on.

This news about this doctor being sentenced to 33 years in prison came right after a US drone attack in North Waziristan yesterday. From this, several things can be figured out-

1)the Pak Army no longer is cooperating with drone strikes even though they were doing so before. While they probably do have the technical capacity to respond, they are choosing not to at this moment.

This is revealed by the fact that they are standing behind the Parliamentary Recommendations on National Security. (I myself thought the whole thing was a joke, but it looks like the civilian government is now using the Parliamentary Recommendations to back of their earlier attempt to reopen the supply routes)

There have been I think 3 visits in the last 2 months by top US representatives/officials and military as well as other NATO officials to Pakistan to get the ground supply lines reopened. On two occasions, Parliament and the civilian government were bypassed, and a meeting was held with Kiyani directly (this happened twice I think). The impression I think that is being had is that Kayani can reopen the ground supply lines against the decisions of the Parliament and especially against the will of the public which is against Pakistan involvement in this war. In any case, it appears thats what NATO/ISAF (however one terms it) was banking on- that the whole "democracy" would be bypassed, and supply lines would be opened.

It appears now that his response was along the lines of "the Parliament will decide on this issue." It may have also been the case, that Kayani wanted the supply lines opened, but the opposition by PTI and DPC seem to have given many second thoughts even the army which has been involved in this supply lines issue starting from Musharraf.

Seeing that the Parliament has said there has to be cessation of drone strikes and an apology for the supplies to reopen- that appears to be the current position. In this case, the supply lines will not be opened as Obama will not stop drone strikes because of his upcoming election and will certainly not issue an apology for whatever reason.

I think though that at this current stage, it wouldnt even matter if the US agreed to all the parliamentary recommendations. I think that for several reasons- most importantly being the public opposition to the war and the general elections (which PTI is favored to win)- that the civilian government- army are finding ways to end the discussion on NATO supplies.

Obama seems to have played all his cards on this issue. Cutting aid to Pakistan doesnt matter as Pakistan doesnt even have a functioning economy in the first place. There is also a myth of aid, as most if not all of the 'aid' does not go to the people at all. Hence, why cutting of aid will have no effect.


Times have changed now. Due to the NRO, Pakistan is supposed to be a "democracy" (Banana Republic or not) and within that political framework whether it is valid or not-- that is how all the political parties are operating, especially, the PTI and Imran Khan.


So this is where this situation rests at I think. There was just another drone strike in North Waziristan, and it has resulted in 10 deaths.

[Shah-i-Kot]

Specifically, in regards to this incident of the doctor being sentenced to 33 years in prison, one needs some perspective on this- a nation-state perspective.

Whether you agree with it or not, that is regardless, if the court set Afridi free, then it sets a precedent. Look what has happened to Private Manning after he helped with Wikileaks. If the US government sets Private Manning free, then imagine how many more US officers will start leaking classified information out to the media?

Again, you can oppose Pakistan for the various reasons you have ( I oppose Pakistan for supporting the NATO war as in my opinion this is against peace and is destabilizing the region). You have to detach yourself from emotions to understand what exactly is going on.

It is completely stupid to start pretending that you expect any nation-state (whether you like it or not) to commit national suicide.

If Afridi was let go- scotch free, then imagine the extra chaos that would spread throughout Pakistan.

The same exact logic used in sentencing Afridi to 33 years is the same logic that is being used in not reopening the supply routes to NATO. The people do not want this war to continue, in fact, most never wanted it in the first place. This is the factor that effects most decisions as of right now.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-14833-Fazl-sees-civil-war-if-Nato-supply-routes-restored

[faye]

well, his side of the story should be heard. he may have been manipulated in some way. why would they not show his side of the story in court?

[Shah-i-Kot]

well, his side of the story should be heard. he may have been manipulated in some way. why would they not show his side of the story in court?

I personally think he had no idea what he was doing. From the US perspective, it is very very doubtful they told him the reasons they were asking him to carry out a fake vaccination program in Abbotabad as this would jeopardize their whole mission. In fact, I think he was told that he was doing a double blind research project on the local community.

His story definitely should be heard as I think that he is being made a scapegoat by a Pak army that thinks it is so powerful.

I think he was told by an NGO that this was some research project.

I used to think that Pakistan was involved in this, and did a deal with the US, and this is all a drama. It is said that Zardari gave the green light for such an operation in the event that OBL was found in Pakistan. It is also not a fact that Musharraf gave the green light for such an operation.


I also find it very hard to believe that Pakistan had no knowledge of OBL's presence in an area so close to a military academy. It just makes no sense at all.

[faye]

we never saw the body of osama bin laden. that is weird since they tried to pass off a fake picture.