US delegation protests illegal detention of diplomat in Pak



Islamabad: A US Congressional delegation protested the "continued illegal detention" of an American diplomat in Lahore during a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday.

The bipartisan delegation comprising US Representatives Buck McKeon, John Kline and Silvestre Reyes called on the Pakistan government "to abide by its obligation under international and Pakistani law to recognize his diplomatic immunity and immediately release him", said a brief statement issued by the US embassy.

The US has stepped up pressure on Pakistan to release consular employee Raymond Davis, who was arrested after he shot and killed two alleged robbers in Lahore on January 27.

A third Pakistani died when he was hit by a US consulate vehicle rushing to the aid of Davis.

The US has made two demands for the release of Davis in the past seven days, saying his "continued detention is a gross violation of international law".

PTI