US scholars express concern for Haqqani's safety in Pakistan over Memo Gate issue
American scholars from think tanks have expressed concern over former Pakistan ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani's safety over the Memo Gate scandal, urging Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in black and white to ensure that he is not 'harmed physically and that due process of law is followed'.
The Express Tribune quoted the letter, dated January 7 and co-signed by 16 academics and experts from various think tanks, as saying: "It has come to our attention that Ambassador Haqqani is under intense pressure in Pakistan, including possibly threats to his life, over the so-called "Memogate" affair."
The letter also cites concerns raised by Haqqani's former counsel Asma Jahangir over the Supreme Court's judicicial commission formed to investigate the Memo Gate issue.
Among the concerns raised, is a claim made by Jahangir that Haqqani "could be picked up by Pakistan's intelligence services and intimidated, and even possibly tortured, into providing a statement that suits their interests."
The scholars say they find it troubling that Haqqani was asked to surrender his passport, and cited examples of assassinations former Governor Salmaan Taseer, former Federal Minister Shahbaz Bhatti and journalist Saleem Shahzad, that they say have created a culture of intimidation and fear that is stifling efforts to promote a more tolerant and democratic society.
"Significant segments of the Pakistani media have already judged Haqqani to be guilty of treason, which could inspire religious extremists to take the law into their own hands as they did with Taseer and Bhatti," the letter added.
Last week, three US senators including Senator McCain had expressed reservations about the treatment of the former Ambassador. (ANI)
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