Action will be taken against US diplomat involved in road accident: Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take action against the US diplomat involved in a road accident that killed a motorcyclist in Islamabad recently, the country’s foreign minister said on Wednesday.
“The United States (US) defence attaché, who was recently involved in a road accident which resulted in the death of a motorcyclist in Islamabad is present in the country and appropriate action will be taken against him in accordance with the law,” FM Khawaja Muhammad Asif said during the National Assembly.
US Air and Defense attaché Col Joseph Emanuel Hall had allegedly jumped a red light on Saturday and hit a motorcycle with two men at a traffic signal, killing one of them at the intersection of Islamabad’s Margalla Road.
“The US embassy has assured full cooperation in the matter,” Asif said.
Pakistan media had earlier quoted a senior police officer as saying that the US embassy would decide if the trial will take place at local courts or those in the US.
“A case has been registered and trial will be conducted. The diplomat has immunity from arrest and detention, but not against trial,” the officer said.
On Monday, the Islamabad police had requested the interior ministry to place the name of the US official on the Exit Control List (ECL) to prevent him from leaving the country.