US embassy says no security for Mansoor Ijaz

The US embassy in Islamabad has said it would not provide security to Mansoor Ijaz who intends to appear before a tribunal investigating the “memogate”. It said Ijaz was a common US citizen and would be coming to Pakistan on his own wish, adding that he would be treated like other US citizens. The embassy officials said Mansoor Ijaz would be treated as other US citizens were treated. Ijaz would not be allowed to live in the embassy, the officials added. The statement has given birth to new apprehensions regarding his appearance before the commission. The Pakistani government has also kept mum over the issue. However, government officials say Ijaz had not been invited in the country and he would be treated like a common US citizen. Ijaz had requested fool-proof security through his lawyer. He got a visa from Pakistan High Commission in London two days ago and said he was all set to appear before the memo commission. But, he refused to disclose date of his arrival due to security reasons.