'Traitor' Afridi's arrest used as 'example' by Pak intelligence services: Expert

Washington, May 25 (ANI): An expert has said there is no reason that Islamabad can't come to its senses on the issue of Dr Afridi's arrest and sentencing, realising that the two countries are together in this long struggle against dark forces.

"Dr Afridi's punishment will deter others from cooperating with outside powers. He is a victim of the diminished ties between the Pakistan and the United States," Fox News quoted former Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Peter Brookes, as saying.

He said Dr Afridi is being portrayed as a "traitor" for aiding a foreign intelligence service-and being made an example of by the powerful Pakistani intelligence services.

He added, "Washington can demand Afridi's release on the grounds that he did both Pakistan and the United States-indeed, the world-a great service by helping to bring Osama to justice."

Pakistan, one of the world's most terror-afflicted countries, with more than 30,000 terrorism-related deaths over the last decade, should be receptive to this message, he said. Unfortunately, Islamabad will almost surely remain deaf to such calls, as pride and nationalism tend to overshadow reason, he added. (ANI)