Islamabad: US immigration authorities have
released a Pakistani journalist who reports for the Voice of
America and whose home was destroyed by Taliban militants last
month.
Rahman Bunairee was freed yesterday, more than a week
after he arrived in the US and was taken into custody at
Dulles International Airport outside Washington.
The Department of Homeland Security has refused to comment
on his case, citing privacy reasons.
Bunairee was released after US customs authorities
apparently resolved questions about his visa, VOA reported on
its website. Bunairee`s ultimate legal status and right to
remain in the US will be determined at a future immigration
hearing.
The journalist is currently reviewing his legal options
with his attorney.
VOA`s parent agency, the Broadcasting Board of Governors,
issued a statement welcoming Bunairee`s release and describing
him as a man of "extraordinary courage and dedication".
Bunairee traveled to Washington to help VOA develop its
broadcasts to the troubled Afghanistan-Pakistan border region
through the Radio Deewa service. He came to the US after a
group of militants blew up his residence in northwestern
Pakistan`s Buner district early last month.
Bureau Report
