US diplomat who ran over biker in Islamabad will have to face trial

ISLAMABAD: The American diplomat who allegedly rammed his vehicle into a motorcycle and killed a Pakistani national over the weekend will have to face trial either in Pakistan or the US, police officials have said.

In case the US embassy confirms the diplomat has immunity against trial in Pakistan, he could be tried in US courts, the unnamed officials were quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper.

Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, foreign minister Khawaja Asif said the diplomat is still in Pakistan and “appropriate action” will be taken against him under the law. He said the US embassy has assured Pakistan of its full cooperation in the matter.

Another man was injured in the April 7 accident involving defence attaché Col Joseph Emanuel Hall. The incident was the latest in a string of accidents in Islamabad involving American officials and it triggered considerable anger among the public.

CCTV footage showed the diplomat’s vehicle running a red light in the heart of Islamabad and ramming into a motorcycle at high speed, throwing two men into the air.

A senior police officer said Hall had been booked in a case and there was no doubt that a trial will be conducted. The diplomat has immunity regarding arrest and detention, but not against trial, the officer said.