islamabad - US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale is undergoing medical treatment but it was only ‘simple inflammation’ rather than mental stress, an embassy spokesman said yesterday.
A local television channel earlier reported Hale was under ‘serious mental stress’ amid the Pakistan-US tensions.
A US embassy spokesman said: “Yes, he visited the hospital and was very happy with their good service. He is being treated for a simple inflammation which will be cleared up in a few days.”
Hale was summoned by the foreign ministry last week after the US drone strike in Balochistan that killed Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour. Pakistan protested against the attack terming it a violation of its sovereignty. Later, Hale also met Army Chief Raheel Sharif where the COAS expressed serious concerns over the US drone strike in Balochistan.
The army chief said the drone attack, which was a violation of sovereignty, detrimental to Pak-US ties and damaging for the peace efforts.
Hale was confirmed as ambassador to Pakistan on August 5, 2015. Previously, he was the ambassador to Lebanon (2013-15), Special Envoy for Middle East Peace (2011-2013), a Deputy Envoy (2009-11), and ambassador to Jordan (2005-8), after multiple tours in Jordan and Lebanon and service in Tunisia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and at the US Mission to the UN.
A career Foreign Service Officer since 1984, Hale holds the rank of Career-Minister.
