Islamabad, Oct 7: A Pakistani panel, investigating the US raid to kill Osama bin Laden in Abbotabad May 2, has suggested registration of treason charges against a doctor who helped a fake CIA vaccination programme in an attempt to obtain DNA from the Al Qaeda leader's family.
 Shakil Afridi was arrested by the Pakistani security agency days after the US military helicopters killed the most wanted man in a compound where he was believed to have lived for years, reported Xinhua.
 The US had reportedly pressurized Pakistan to release Afridi but the authorities rejected the US demand.
 'In view of the record and evidence placed before the Commission in relation to Dr Shakeel Afridi, the Commission is of the view that prima facie, a case of conspiracy against the State of Pakistan and high treason is made out against him,' a commission statement said.
 The statement said that a case under relevant law should be registered against Afridi and he should be proceeded in accordance with law.
 Pakistani laws carry death penalty for high treason charges, legal experts say.
 The statement said the commission has taken statements and investigated the wives and daughters of Osama bin Laden and they are no more required by the commission.
 It also withdrew its earlier order to restrain the Pakistani authorities from handing over the Osama family members to any country.
 The commission again interviewed the chief of the main intelligence agency Thursday for the second time in two days.
 It conducted an exhaustive interview of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt. Gen. Ahmad Shuja Pasha, to know his perspective leading to the Abbottabad incident.
 The Commission also allowed the security forces to hand over the alleged Osama compound/house at Abbottabad to the civil administration for disposal in accordance with relevant law.
 Sources said the commission's decision may lead to the destruction of Osama's compound as many people are visiting the place daily.
 The security forces have blocked all roads to the compound and are not allowing anyone, including journalists, to visit the building.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 7 Oct 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 7 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 8 Oct 2011 00:00:00 IST