US hints at swap between Dr Shakil Afridi and Dr Afia Siddiqui
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WASHINGTON - The US has responded over the issue of territorial integrity of Pakistan and prevailing media reports.
US does not support any changes to Pakistan's territorial integrity, and in fact should be pressuring the government in Kabul to recognise the Durand Line, said Congressman Brad Sherman, Chairman Emeritus of the Asia subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Addressing a gathering of Pakistani dissidents organised under the banner of SAATH Forum, Congressman Sherman emphasised that Pakistan's concerns about Indian influence in Afghanistan should be addressed so that "it cannot be argued that Pakistan is in between two hostile states, one to the East and one to the West."
He said Pakistan and Afghanistan need to work together to deal with various issues, which would also help Pakistani democracy by eliminating the perceived national security issues that it faces.
"One issue that's critical for the US Congress is Dr Shakeel Afridi. The Congress will not forget about Dr Afridi and would do whatever it takes to get him out of jail," the congressman said. He even offered his willingness to discuss Dr Afia Siddiqui in some sort of a swap.
