WASHINGTON - TheUnited Statessaid Tuesday that Secretary of State John Kerry raised Dr Shakeel Afridi’s case with the Pakistani leadership during his recent visit oPakistan, but did not indicate the outcome of his efforts.

“I don’t have anything for you on that about our private diplomatic discussions,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf told a correspondent who asked about Obama administration’s efforts to secure the release of Dr Afridi. Afridi had helped CIA in the hunt for Osama bin Laden.

TheUnited Stateswill continue to raise the issue of release of Dr Shakil Afridi with senior Pakistani leadership as his prosecution and conviction has sent a wrong message about the importance of Pakistan-US shared interests in fighting terrorism, the US State Department said.

She said bringing Osama bin Laden to justice was in the interest of both theUSandPakistan. “The prosecution and conviction of Dr Afridi has sent exactly a wrong message about the importance of this shared interest.

We have clearly communicated this position toPakistanand will continue to raise this issue during our discussion withPakistan’s senior leadership,” she said. She refused to answer if there was any positive response, but said theUSwas clear about its position on the issue and would continue raising it at the highest level.