Islamabad: Ambassador of United States in Pakistan David Hale was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) today and a strong protest was lodged by the Foreign Secretary on the tragic death of the motorcyclist and serious injury to the co-rider in the traffic accident yesterday that involved a US diplomat.
According to Foreign Office, the US Ambassador expressed his deep sympathy and sadness over the loss of life and assured that embassy would fully cooperate in the investigation.
The Foreign Secretary conveyed that justice will take its course in accordance with the law of the land and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961.
Earlier the Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Faisal stated Foreign Ministry is closely following an investigation into the road accident involving a US diplomat which led to the tragic death of a Pakistani citizen in Islamabad.
Dr Faisal on the official twitter handle of the Pakistan Foreign Ministry wrote.
Foreign Ministry closely following investigation into the road accident involving a US diplomat which led to the tragic death of a Pakistani citizen in Islamabad.
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) April 8, 2018
Yesterday a bike rider was killed in the federal capital after he was hit by the vehicle of a US diplomat.
An accident involving a US embassy vehicle occurred in Islamabad. MOFA is looking into the matter. Investigations are being carried out.
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) April 7, 2018
The 22-year-old deceased, Ateeq Baig, was an intermediate student. His cousin Raheel suffered a leg fracture.
An FIR against the US diplomat has been lodged in Kohsar police station on the request of Ateeq's father.
Muhammad Idrees told police that the US diplomat 'crossed a red signal' and rammed his SUV into Ateeq’s motorcycle when he was passing by Margala road in F8 sector.
The US official was not arrested owing to their diplomatic immunity, however, the police took custody of the vehicle.
A statement released by the US Embassy confirmed the accident. The embassy is in contact with the local authorities to probe the incident, the statement added.
