The stand-off between the US and Pakistan intensified on Friday as the Lahore police charged American official Raymond Davis of “cold-blooded” murder, ignoring pressure from Washington for his immediate release.
A US channel reported that US national security advisor Tom Donilon had even threatened to “kick out” Pakistan envoy Hussain Haqqani if Islamabad didn’t release Davis. Later, both Haqqani and a US embassy spokesperson in Pakistan rejected the report.
Police chief Aslam Tareen said charges were framed against Davis — arrested for shooting dead two Pakistanis — after finding no proof to back his self-defence plea.
The row over Davis, 36, who Washington says enjoys diplomatic immunity, has taken already tense ties between the US and Pakistan to a new low. The US has suspended all high-level contacts with Pakistan. US lawmakers have also warned the matter could affect US aid to Pakistan running into billions.