Congress leader Shashi Tharoor strongly criticised Pakistan in response to US Congressman Brad Sherman’s appeal for the release of Dr Shakil Afridi.
Sherman urged the Pakistani delegation to free Afridi, who helped the US locate Osama Bin Laden and is now imprisoned.
Sherman said, “Freeing Dr Afridi represents an important step in bringing closure for victims of 9/11.”
Leading an All-Party Parliamentary Delegation (APPD) in the US, Tharoor said on social media, “Pakistan not only sheltered terrorist mastermind Osama Bin Laden but also arrested and punished the brave doctor who exposed him. In Pakistan, you are rewarded for promoting terrorism and persecuted for exposing terrorists.”
Background: Dr Shakil Afridi’s Role & Imprisonment
Dr Shakil Afridi, a senior health official in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, helped the CIA track Osama Bin Laden.
Militants led by Lashkar-e-Islam commander Mangal Bagh later abducted him, and Pakistani authorities imprisoned him, drawing widespread international condemnation.
Furthermore, the Indian delegation also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue opposite the Indian Embassy in Washington, a tradition across all countries they have visited.
Tharoor remarked on the global presence of Gandhi statues as symbols of peace and nonviolence.
The delegation held a ‘warm and candid’ meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, briefing him on the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s counter-terrorism Operation Sindoor.
They also met US Vice President JD Vance to further discuss regional security challenges.
Tharoor’s visit underscores India’s commitment to international cooperation to combat terrorism and highlights Pakistan’s role in harbouring terrorists.
The diplomatic efforts aim to build global support for peace and security in the region.
