"The United States on Saturday called for the immediate release of a US diplomat it said was unlawfully detained by Pakistani authorities in Lahore, its embassy in Islamabad said
“When detained, the US diplomat identified himself to police as a diplomat and repeatedly requested immunity under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” the embassy said in a statement.
“Local police and senior authorities failed to observe their legal obligation to verify his status with either the US consulate general in Lahore or the US embassy in Islamabad”.
“Furthermore, the diplomat was formally arrested and remanded into custody, which is a violation of international norms and the Vienna Convention, to which Pakistan is a signatory.”
“The diplomat, assigned to the US embassy in Islamabad, has a US diplomatic passport and Pakistani visa valid until June 2012,” the statement said.
“The diplomat had every reason to believe that the armed men meant him bodily harm. Minutes earlier, the two men, who had criminal backgrounds, had robbed money and valuables at gunpoint from a Pakistani citizen in the same area.”
As a tit-for-tat I hope, based on this, Mr. Bloomberg (our NYC mayor) orders the arrest of every paki consulate worker that violates traffic rules, runs a light, or unpaid parking tickets. How I miss Rudy Guiliani.Sodho received threats and shifted base to India, from where he sent his resignation to Sindh assembly speaker Nisar Ahmad Khoro, the report said.
The resignation has been accepted with immediate effect.
The law and order situation in Karachi, capital of the province, and other interior regions -- where the Hindu community is based in large numbers and its members are quite well off -- has been deteriorating for quite some time now.
When are Rana Bhagwandas, Danish Kaneria and Deepak Perwani moving to India? That will be the ultimate kick-in-the-groins for the pakis.Rajdeep wrote:Hindu legislator quits in Pakistan, shifts to India
The judge lost his cool on seeing this and gave the investigating officer a piece of his mind when the police informed him that the infant, Raees had slit the throat of 20-year old Alamgir
The judge ordered the police to come up with the real suspects after the complainant, Shehla started shouting in court that the police had helped the real accused, also named Raees alias Mamoon, escape after taking bribes.
The police in Pakistan are accused of being the most corrupt department and it is normal for convicted criminals to escape while making court appearances.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- A bomb planted in a parked car exploded in the Pakistan city of Quetta Saturday, injuring at least eight people, police said.
The blast in a densely populated neighborhood was heard miles away in the southwestern city and apparently targeted the car carrying police Superintendent Shaban Ali, the Press Trust of India reported.
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik told the National Assembly on Friday the government was in possession of the blueprint of a conspiracy to break up Pakistan, starting with Balochistan province, but that the plot was foiled by the country`s armed forces.
He did not say who hatched the conspiracy but offered an in-camera briefing to the house after an opposition lawmaker from Balochistan complained of a continuous “lifting” and “extra-judicial killing” of students in his troubled province that he said must be stopped.
Mr Malik said he agreed with Mr Baloch that “people are being lifted and killed”, but added: “We must see who is doing it. The government is not doing it. It is BLA,” he said about the so-called Balochistan Liberation Army, a militant group allegedly seeking a separation of the province.
“Whoever hatched the conspiracy to break up the country, Balochistan was on top of (of the plan),” the minister said in his remarks in Urdu and added that “thanks to the armed forces” the plot did not succeed.
“We have a blueprint in our hands of what the conspiracy was,” he said, without elaborating.
Pakistan Railways administration has increased the fare of all passenger and freight trains by 10 to 20 per cent. Ashfaq Ahmad Khatak, General Manager Operations Pakistan Railways told this while talking to APP here on Saturday.
He said the PR administration has taken the decision in response to financial pressure as the prices of fuel and other utilities have risen substantially.
He said that fares of passenger trains run on short-distance ections, such as Lahore-Narowal, Lahore-Lalamusa,Lahore-Jaranwala as been increased by 10 per cent.fares for Mail and Express long distance inter-city passenger trains has been raised by 15 per cent, the fares for Non-stop passenger trains and freight trains has been increased by 20 per cent.
The GM said, the PR administration wanted to increase fares of freight trains by more than 20 per cent, adding that in order to facilitate the traders, the freight charges have been increased by only 20 per cent. He said the decision would be effective from Feb 1. Ashfaq Khatak stressed that the decision of increasing fares was taken after the approval of the cabinet
Many thanks - it has usable material. I am certainly interested in more of this genre.ChandraV wrote:
ShivJi,
I think you are looking for interesting video material in general. Here's something you might find interesting. This is about Waziristan, and is a short 8.5 min video, and is not very well made. But do watch the FULL video, it has several interesting bits that can be extracted. The part that starts at 3:40 is particularly interesting. I have some more, if you are interested.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JtUilK7 ... rofilepage
And then of course, there will be a massive 'self-flagellating "debate" in the Indian media and govt on equal equal, how some Paki diplomat was harassed in Delhi, bla bla. Oh and did I forget loads and loads of analysis on secularism and "Saffron terror". That would have been the response from us SDREs.sum wrote:^^ No doubt in my mind that both the "robbers" were ISID goons and were tailing the TFTA CIA afsar.
Only thing they forgot is that the TFTA was not a Indian diplomat/RAW-man who could be thrashed and would only result in a "protest note".
Johann you might be right.In fact they do have a Diplomatic Security service to protect US diplomatic infrastructure and personnel.Its members are very well trained.Johann wrote:Darshhan
I wouldn't assume he is an intelligence officer, or involved in offensive special operations. Nor would I assume he is your average American citizen.
There's a lot of people (some government employees, others private sector) whose job is simply providing plainclothes security to US diplomatic facilities and their personnel. They spend all day sharpening tactical skills and situational awareness - that is after all what they are paid to do.
The U.S. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is the federal law enforcement arm of the United States Department of State. The majority of its Special Agents are members of the Foreign Service and federal law enforcement agents at the same time, making them unique. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security, more commonly known as Diplomatic Security, or DS, is the parent organization of the Diplomatic Security Service. Both terms, DSS or DS, are used interchangeably within the State Department and other agencies to refer to the DSS. The DSS is structured as a federal law enforcement agency, primarily made up of U.S. Federal Agents mandated to serve overseas and domestically. DSS is the most widely represented U.S. law enforcement agency world wide.
It is also responsible for counterintelligence at these diplomatic facilities.As federal agents, all DSS Special Agents have the power to arrest, carry firearms, and serve arrest warrants and other court processes. DSS Special Agents protect the U.S. Secretary of State and foreign dignitaries. The State Department's web site says that "The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is the security and law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of State. DS is a world leader in international investigations, threat analysis, cyber security, counterterrorism, security technology, and protection of people, property, and information.".[1]
When assigned to domestic field offices, DSS Special Agents are responsible for conducting investigations into passport and visa fraud as well as providing protection for the United States Secretary of State and others. Overseas, DSS Special Agents are called Regional Security Officers (RSOs), and are charged with the security and law enforcement duties at U.S. missions, embassies, and consular posts. The Diplomatic Security Service is the lead U.S. investigatory agency in cases of international terrorism, although this function may be detailed to the FBI.
There are approximately 1,800 DS Special Agents. Special Agents are sometimes referred to as "DS Agents" or "DSS Agents". Both terms are used interchangeably within the agency and other organizations.
Unlike all other civilian federal law enforcement officers, DSS agents must serve multiple-year tours overseas as a condition of employment. When not at an overseas assignment, they serve domestically, in field offices and HQ positions. A minority of DSS agents are members of the State Department's civil service (GS-1811) and do not serve tours overseas; they focus on criminal work and dignitary protection within the United States.
[edit] Hiring process
DSS agents are hired after an intensive evaluation process that includes a Foreign Service Board of Examiners writing evaluation, knowledge-based test, panel interview and situational judgment exercises carried out by veteran DSS agents. Those selected undergo a comprehensive medical examination needed for worldwide availability, as well as an exhaustive background investigation for security clearance at the level of top secret/sensitive compartmentalized information (TS/SCI). A final suitability review and vote by a Foreign Service panel evaluates a candidate's overall ability to represent the interests of the United States as a diplomat abroad. All agents have at least a four year university degree. Agent candidates must be under the age of 37 at the time of commissioning. However, due to the decision in Robert P. Isabella v. Department of State and Office of Personnel Management, 2008 M.S.P.B. 146, preference eligible veterans may apply after age 37. In 2009, the Office of Personnel Management issued implementation guidance on the Isabella decision: OPM Letter
[edit] Training
After a new agent candidate is hired, he or she begins a six month training program that includes the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) (pronounced flet-see) in Glynco, Georgia; a Basic Special Agent Course at the Diplomatic Security Training Center, and courses at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) in Arlington, Virginia. A new training facility that will consolidate DSS' far-flung training venues is currently under development. A new agent is usually assigned to a domestic field office for two years before taking on an overseas assignment, although an agent can expect to be sent on frequent temporary duty assignments overseas even when assigned to a domestic post. However, agents may be called overseas much earlier depending on the needs of DSS. As members of the Foreign Service, agents are expected to spend most of their career living and working overseas, often in hazardous environments or less developed countries throughout the world.
* Basic Special Agent Course (BSAC) (including FLETC): 7 months
* Basic Regional Security Office Course (RSO School): 3 months
* High Threat Tactical Training (HTT): 2 months
* Language Training: 2–12 months per language
The Diplomatic Security Service Office of Investigations and Counterintelligence (DS/ICI/CI) conducts a robust counterintelligence program designed to deter, detect, and neutralize the efforts of foreign intelligence services targeting Department of State personnel, facilities, and diplomatic missions worldwide.
The office's counterintelligence division conducts aggressive counterintelligence inquires and counterespionage investigations with other U.S. Government agencies. Counterespionage investigations are conducted in close coordination with the FBI in accordance with their legal mandates.
He may well have such a role, but that doesn't mean he is DSS.darshhan wrote: Johann you might be right.In fact they do have a Diplomatic Security service to protect US diplomatic infrastructure and personnel.Its members are very well trained.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diplomatic ... ty_Service
No I don't agree that the "real problem" is China. China and the US are problems in their own right as far as India is concerned.VikramS wrote:shiv:
It is very easy to blame Uncle when the real issue is China. What if the US dumps the RAPE? Will the Chinese not jump in to take their place? China is now the second largest economy in the world and has more than enough resources to replace Uncle as the benefactor.
.
That guy is built like a bull. If you need to be built like that you need to work out for 2 hours or more every day. Golf and tennis just don't cut it.Anujan wrote:Another thing to consider: Even if the fellow under question had diplomatic immunity, he might not be a diplomat.
Actually putnanja - I would not be surprised at all if the US behaved as meekly as India has done. In an era when the US did not have to react to a power like Pakistan it was easy for us to be continuously scathing of Indians and Indian leaders for being meek while we expected the US to be bold and decisive. Nothing of the sort will happen. The US will behave meek and do little. TFTAs will show why SDREs exist and thrive.putnanja wrote:Wonder how far things will go.
FWIW, I dont see any easy way around the tunnel (between Peshawar and Kohat). By blocking it, supplies from Peshawar are kept out.Rajdeep wrote:At least 7 killed, several injured in Kohat tunnel blasts
http://nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-news ... nel-blasts
A suspected suicide bomber exploded an explosive-packed truck inside Kohat Tunnel, killing at least seven persons, police said Saturday.
It really depends on the period in question. From 1965 to 1981 Chinese influence was enormous since US aid was on hold.shiv wrote:In my view if you measure the "amount of problem" caused by US sponsorship of Pakistan in that last 60 years and compare with Chinese aid to Pakistan - I would rate the US's influence as being 80% versus China's 20%.
I wouldn't 'misunderestimate' China's economic influence. In many places in the third world Chinese aid, investment and trade now dwarfs that of the West. That change came about very rapidly in the 2000s.One can argue about the basis of this figure but changing the focus to China in 2011 and saying China is to blame is a cop out that I have serious issues with.
... That apart a simple look at economic figures from just 2001 to 2010 - you find the US giving Pakistan unilateral and unselfish "aid" worth over 3 billion USD a year - of which half is to the military - in addition to "coalition support funds". China OTOH has a trade surplus. There is no comparison. The US is and will remain a problem.
KARACHI - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao left Islamabad on Sunday after a three-day official visit that included a commitment to invest about US$20 billion in Pakistan within the next three years and further agreement on private-sector trade deals worth about $15 billion.
Glocks - high end handgun??? You've been watching Die Hard, haven't you? FYI, Glocks are fairly cheap to mid-priced handguns (about $450-600 for a new one in civilian world depending on model and accessories, bulk discounts available for multiple purchases). Glock is the firearms world's equivalent of a Japanese car (i.e.) they aren't the most cheapest around, but they are very reliable, durable, practical and accurate, sort of like a Toyota. If you had to purchase a handgun from another manufacturer that has similar reliability, durability and accuracy as a Glock, chances are very good that you'd be paying about $500-1200 or more for an equivalent from someone else. That's why Glock is so popular among police forces and civilians because they are very good value for money.darshhan wrote:Johann , That is what I mean.This guy was no ordinary diplomat.How many diplomats would be carrying a Glock(a high end handgun) and have the capability to use it effectively against multiple assailants and that too while driving.And all this in a country called Pakistan.You need reflexes that only come with practice(Practice in this case is much more than shooting in a range at static targets).There is a high probability that he is an operative.
On the other hand due to second amendment lot of Americans who are civilians are very good with guns.Only time will tell what is true.
The fact that the killer in question happening to be a diplomat with diplomatic immunity is not material going by the past conduct of the US themselves in the case of the Georgian diplomat Gueorgui Makharadze who while driving in a drunken state killed a girl.Anujan wrote:Another thing to consider: Even if the fellow under question had diplomatic immunity, he might not be a diplomat.
Unkil sent a HUGE number of people (including USAID workers ityadi) with diplomatic passports to Pakistan to speed up the visa process and to avoid getting arrested on trumped up charges.
.This is certainly going to be a curious case lets see how this unfolds.All the shots he fired from inside the car hit the targets. Neither any passerby was shot nor the bullet hit nearby buildings. The accused is more than a sharp-shooter’, a source said.
The accused after ensuring on-the-spot death of the boys took two photographs of Faizan Haider as evidence to prove that he committed the double murder in self-defence.
The police also intensified security of the accused being kept at an undisclosed location and deployed policemen on his protection without weapons to avoid Mumtaz Qadri like episode as anti-US emotions run high at grass root level.
The police did not provide details of the second US Consulate vehicle that crushed Ubaid-ur-Rehman to death and fled away from the crime scene.
The US Consulate had promised to produce the vehicle and its driver involved in the accident by Friday evening. But they did not fulfil the promise till filing of this report (late on Saturday night).
The police also intensified security of the accused being kept at an undisclosed location and deployed policemen on his protection without weapons to avoid Mumtaz Qadri like episode as anti-US emotions run high at grass root level.
It is already out in massa news that he is ex-SF.... owning a private security company providing somekind of "security and risk management" professionals.Singha wrote:whatever be his official role, his background cannot be local cop in US ... local cops are not trained for this kind of running gunbattle alone...even SWAT prefer to work with their team and full support not go out playing john mclaine alone....methinks some sort of JSOC background and then in some "contractor" role for any the tentacles of GOTUS probing inside TSPs nether orifice 24x7. the physique and calm posture indicate a well trained and fit man who knows how to handle things.
interesting to know US consulate has a QRT ready to stage a rescue or counterstrike on demand...as they must in Pak. they care for their own tribe and are ready to deploy resources to make it happen.
Davis, a "technical adviser" to the U.S. government whose record shows experience in the U.S. Special Forces, is accused of shooting two men who were apparently attempting to rob him Thursday in Lahore. A third Pakistani man was killed when a vehicle struck him while reportedly racing to the American's aid.
Davis runs Hyperion Protective Consultants, LLC, a company that provides "loss and risk management professionals."
