The government commission investigating the bin Laden affair said Thursday it had gathered evidence against Afridi that was strong enough for authorities to register a case of high treason against him. – Photo by PPI

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani commission probing the US raid on Osama bin Laden says a doctor who helped the CIA track the al-Qaida chief should be put on trial for high treason.

Dr. Shakil Afridi ran a phony vaccination program in the Pakistani town where the al-Qaida leader hid in an effort to obtain a DNA sample from him.

Afridi is being detained by Pakistan's intelligence agency.

American officials want him released, and his fate has become a complicating issue in strained relations between the two country's spy services.

The government commission investigating the bin Laden affair said Thursday it had gathered evidence against Afridi that was strong enough for authorities to register a case of high treason against him. Such a charge carries the death penalty.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram ‘roadmap’
Updated 25 Dec, 2024

Kurram ‘roadmap’

The state must provide ironclad guarantees that the local population will be protected from all forms of terrorism.
Snooping state
25 Dec, 2024

Snooping state

THE state’s attempts to pry into citizens’ internet activities continue apace. The latest in this regard is a...
A welcome first step
25 Dec, 2024

A welcome first step

THE commencement of a dialogue between the PTI and the coalition parties occupying the treasury benches in ...
High troop losses
Updated 24 Dec, 2024

High troop losses

Continuing terror attacks show that our counterterrorism measures need a revamp. Localised IBOs appear to be a sound and available option.
Energy conundrum
24 Dec, 2024

Energy conundrum

THE onset of cold weather in the country has brought with it a familiar woe: a severe shortage of piped gas for...
Positive cricket change
24 Dec, 2024

Positive cricket change

HEADING into their Champions Trophy title defence, Pakistan are hitting the right notes. Mohammad Rizwan’s charges...