ISLAMABAD – Declaring issue of Raymond Davis sub-judice, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday reaffirmed his government’s resolve not to compromise on the country’s sovereignty and dignity, saying Pakistan did not agree with the United States on interpretation of laws pertaining to diplomatic immunity.
In his first policy statement on this issue on the floor of the National Assembly, the prime minister said the government was aware of the people’s sentiments. “My government will not compromise on Pakistan’s sovereignty and dignity … our hearts go out to the members of the deceased families,” Gilani said.
“This case is now before the courts of law in Pakistan. Hence the matter is sub-judice. There are differences of opinion between Pakistan and the United States in the case of Mr Davis on the issues of interpretation and applicability of international and national laws,” he said, without taking an official position and left the matter for the court to decide whether the American killer was entitled to diplomatic immunity or not.
He also hinted at ambiguity and inconsistency as reflected in the available record and said: “We have consistently called for justice and followed the rule of law both in international and national affairs … we are mindful of our obligations under the Vienna conventions and other international legal instruments to which we are signatory.”
However, he said given the legal complexity of questions arising on the case and mindful of its obligations regarding the interpretation and applicability of the country’s obligations under international and national laws, the government had been careful. “The questions relating to facts and law are of immense importance both under our national law and international law … expert legal opinion has been sought by the government,” he said, adding that the government would adopt a course that fully accorded with dictates of justice and the rule of law.
Talking to reporters outside the Parliament House, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that Raymond Davis has a diplomatic passport, but his case will be decided by the court. Pakistan was signatory to certain international protocols, which could not be violated, however the court would decide the issue, he said.
To a question, he said the government understood the public’s sentiments, adding that nothing against the law would be done.
