US Congress pushes for Shakil Afridi’s release

WASHINGTON: US Congress on Wednesday criticized Obama administration for extending financial support to Pakistan despite Islamabad’s reluctance to release Dr Shakil Afridi.

Secretary of State John Kerry had to face tough questions from lawmakers over the US administration proposal of 500 million dollars aid for Pakistan.

A lawmaker from California said the man who helped US kill Osama bin Laden was languishing in a jail yet the administration was considering 500 million dollar aid for such a country.

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

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

He added that the issue could only be resolved through repeated talks and diplomatic means.