Illegal arms: US functionaries released after brief detention

Authorities on Tuesday released three US functionaries held in Peshawar for illegally carrying weapons.
According to the media reports, judicial magistrate in a local accountability court ordered the ‘diplomats’ to submit security bonds of Rs 100,000 cash for their release.
“The US diplomats have been released since diplomats enjoy immunity in Pakistan,” officials said.
As per the law, No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the ministry of interior is mandatory for any foreigner visiting any area in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa or the adjacent tribal belt. However, the US diplomats did not abide by the rule.
Peshawar police on Monday briefly questioned three American diplomats in the city after several rifles, pistols and ammunition were found in their vehicles.
“The diplomats, accompanied by three Pakistani nationals, were stopped at a routine checkpoint where they refused to have their vehicles searched,” police said, adding that the Pakistanis were charged with illegal possession of weapons.
A US embassy official said: “These officials were returning from a visit to Malakand University where they were preparing for an English education event for underprivileged children. They had all proper permissions but were stopped when returning to Peshawar.”
Last year, CIA contractor Raymond Davis killed two Pakistanis in Lahore, straining ties between Washington and Islamabad. But he was freed after paying $2.3 million ‘blood money’ to the men’s families.