33 years in jail for the crime of providing blood samples to the USA for DNA testing - that's what it boils down to. The people got real vaccinations and none of them are worse for wear. It's understandable that your national pride was damaged but the fact that you have yet to lift a finger to find out who was hiding OBL is convincing evidence to the rest of the World who the real guilty party is. Speaking of misguided justice --- hows that Abbottabad Commission doing?

The only reason I can see for this ridiculous 33 years sentence given to a noble law abiding doctor who helped catch the most wanted criminal sought by the entire world -- that it was given by a tribal court of a rudderless republic where nobody is minding the store. The uproar on this outrageous sentence is not going to die down -- it will drag the name of Pakistan through miles and miles of mud. It is time to let Dr. Afridi go wherever he wants to go - in or out of Pakistan.

Why he was not tried in a regular court guided by Pakistan’s penal law? The probable reason is that it would be easier for the government to revert the verdict if Uncle Sam gets mad. Which, I am 100 % sure is going to happen, after which Dr. Afridi and his family would board a plane to Washington town. Incidentally, how can it be a crime to trace the whereabouts of Bin Laden when Pakistan government itself had been looking for him ? Pak Government should not only congratulate Dr. Afridi but also see that the Uncle Sam's government pays him the prize money to find him.

Dr. Afridi helped in nabbing and bringing to justice OBL who was most wanted terrorist, something that our state should have done itlsef. Punishing such inidividual for treason is beyond me and unjust and totally ludicrous. He should be set free and sent to US if our state dont want him.

This is the reason due to which FATA residents avoid any WHO etc. campaigns... Not trustworthy as Naik Muhammad (Taliban Commander) was first victim of drone attack while giving interview through satellite Telephone to one of international media correspondent ... Just ponder ... than reflect back.

The truth is this judgement has exposed Pakistan for what it is: a failed, rouge state that is not only the epicenter of terrorism, but also prosecutes all who oppose terrorism. Islamabad may deny it, but Osama was under its protection. That's why the capture and execution of Osama is protested as violation of sovereignty, but killing of innocent people all over the world -- and many in Pakistan -- are brushed under the carpet. This will also give another handle to Pakistan baiters. Terrorists and hate mongers like Hafiz Saeed and Hamid Gul will roam free as Islamabad will continue to demand "more evidence". What more evidence is needed now of Islamabad's complicity in world terrorism?

How a nation treat its own citizen reflects its prestige. World is watching.

It is interesting the article raises the issue that the crime was not committed in tribal areas so why was it tried under the tribal judicial system. The article does raise a very important point of law. However, it must be noted that the US is demanding people who are alleged to have committed a crime outside of US - In most cases, the countries where the alleged crimes took place the prosecution has deemed either not sufficient evidence to prosecute the accused. We are living in a topsy turvy world dollar speaks and double standards are the norm. Justice is the victim. Dr Afridi has done a great disservice to humanity. By his actions he has tainted the various genuine medical charities that are trying to improve health for the most needy in our societies.

In the absence of a clear verdict whether to help the america in indicating the key terrorist or not Dr afridi is justified in doing so.Many american organisations are working inside Pakistan, they are offering a handsome amount to there employees,with out questioning the purpose of the organisation many jobless doctors would join hands with them.Its is simply the failure of the govt being unaware of the the american or CIA covert operations.Now to cover there inefficiency,who could serve the purpose better than doctor afridi.

It is really surprising how Pakistan's government and its courts missed the whole irony of the case: that Pakistan itself was hunting for Bin Laden!! Maybe not directly but at least by assisting NATO in Afghanistan and the border areas, it was tryign to kill Bib Laden. Not only that , it was receiving billions of dollars in aid in return for its support in finding AMerica's Enemy number one. So Afridi was punished for actually helping out Pakistani government? Why? Becuase the American government did not trust (not unjustifiedly) that elements in Pakistani army and secret services were sympathetic to the Taliban

........Part 2...... So why is Afridi being punished. After all he assisted what his government was doing. Is that treason? If yes then the current Pakistani government, and the previous millitary dictatorship are both guilty of treason! What is the real reason: For not giving Laden a chance to escape? or for not giving Pakistan a chance to hide the embarrasing fact that the worlds greatest terrorist was living in relative comfort within walking distance of a large millitary cantonment? Or for killing the golden goose whose being alive meant billions of free aid which is now being to dry out?

What about trying those who let OBL live right under their noses?

Pakistani leaders claim from roof-tops that Pakistan is a partner with the U.S. on this war on terror. And what kind of partnership is this when the Pakistan Government prosecutes Dr Afridi for leading the U.S to OBL's hideout.

i) There is no justification for collaborating with the spy agency of another country for carrying out a raid on one's country, whatever the circumstances. No state in the world will brook that. ii) The US has no right to clamour about miscarriage of justice. If Dr. Afridi has been sentenced without the due process of law, so are the Guantanamo Bay prisoners.

All this talk about being ethical and using a vaccination program to nab the man is all nice but please do remember the same ethics applies when hiding a dreaded terrorist in your backyard and fleecing the Americans of billions of dollars. In fact the US should get the doctor nominated for Nobel peace prize for his service to human kind and helping eliminate the cause for much human suffering and pain

The political fall out of Afridi's trial is going to be of greater significance than the judicial process ending in the sentence. Pakistan never had a judiciary which was worth taking note of. The trial went through a process of judicial manipulation by those who wanted to convey the defiance against US which has been duly noted by US with aid cut. Pakistan has been tickling the US on one issue after another. They fail to see that the price will be paid by the common man as well as those mischievous elements who lead this defiance brigades.

A Governor of a State is Killed in Braod Daylight and the Killer is garlanded & Showered with Rose Petals.???? A Minority Christian Minister is Shot dead in Broad DAylight and the Killers are SET Free due to Lack of Evidence???? A Terrorist who has Killed thousands of Innocents and also propagated others to Kill innocents, was found with the help of a Doctor and that Doctor is Given 33 years of Imprisonment!!!!! What a STRANGE Country.

Unbelievable how people of Pakisthan stand up to such blatant and gross violation of justice. A complete skewed and failure of justice in this country and people do nothing about it..... In terroristan...protecting Osama Bin Laden ( A foreigner) would NOT be considered treason BUT vaccination to enable DNA evidence to prove OBL is OBL is some how considered treason and requires 33 yrs of prison ! Get real - we are in the 21st century not in some medieval era....and the rest of the world is watching. Do Pakisthani's want the rest of the world to believe that this doctor really commited treason for getting a terrorist's DNA ? Was Osama Bin Laden a Pakisthani citizen to be protected under Pakisthan's law ? How come no one has found out how he lived right under their nose for so many years.... His wife gave birth to several kids in Pakisthan.....and no one knew ? No one even bothered to find out the truth even after one whole year ? Isn't that a bit strange to digest ..... Perhaps OBL was an invited guest in Pakisthan and so the anger and reason to some how sentence a lame duck doctor under some archaic tribal law - with no defense lawyer even tho' the raid incident was in a city far away. His family can't visit him ? Was OBL such an important asset for Pakisthan - perhaps so !!!; B'cos as long as he lived - Pakisthan could ask the US and the world for money to pretend to get him. He was the goose that laid the golden egg for Pakistan. Now that he is no more, funding to find him has also dried up. The irony is that Hafiz Saeed walks a free man - b'cos the evidence given by India is some how always insufficient but on the other hand this lame duck doctor is convicted for 33 years and so quickly ? What murder did he commit ? Ask this doctor to leave the country if Pakistan does not want him. Any country will welcome his medical services. The sentencing confirms that Pakisthan is hand in glove in keeping Osama Bin Laden secure on their land ( a foreigner who violated their sovereignity) I can bet you all the other top Al Quieda terrorists are also in safe houses within Pakisthan...well protected by the army, govt..and its people. Just a matter of time...when one by one, they will all be found. No one will believe Pakisthan, no matter what. - Lee (a World view)

When Musharraf helped America getting Al-Qaida men, when all of our institutions were following the policy of American Ally, it was not a treason, now a helpless doctor does the same thing that our state had committed with USA and the rest of the world he becomes traitor. This is the real Pakistan, when our powerful people do somethin , it is in the best interest of the country, when ordinary man follow the suit he is guilty of treason. I agree that a fake campaign of vaccination is a crime for which the doctor needs to be booked.

Sir, that is very interesting discussion, especially the frank and fair way and in some cases the pragmatic approach guiding the response of valued commentators responding to the Editorial and I could not hold back myself in being a part of this discussion. There is no doubt that this incidence of OBL being killed in Pakistan by the US commandos is going to haunt the nation for a long time. But the way Dr. Afridi has been prosecuted could be debatable. In any case Dr. Afridi surely has come out as a hero in the perception of some people but at the same time a villain in some others view. But the posterity is surely going to record his important role in this episode whether he ultimately turns out to be hero or a villain. BNA

pakistan isa front line state n war against terrorism,and non nato member of coalition army,so the most wanted person killed ander pakistan settle area,now i don,t understand that pakistan wethr with Al-qaida or with the world,that,s y i think Dr,afridi panishment is totaly wrong,becos our prime minister declare OBL assissination s"'Fatha-e-Azeem"

Pakistani government has been aiding the Americans to capture OBL’s other henchmen. So if this doctor does the same, he gets charged with treason. The fact of the matter is that Pakistan did not want OBL to be captured so it could keep milking the American cow for monetary rewards and try to maintain its pseudo self importance in the world. Now that the world has seen the real face of Pakistan, the consequences could be dire.

I am shocked that Dr. Afridi has been sentenced to prison. On what trumped up charges one might ask.

Pakistan, a dangerous place where the central govt is as weak as a worm. It allows terrorists to be born, grow, damges and dance over death. But shamelessly will be wanting evidence. pakistan with a bad govt is a dangerous place to be born and live. poor Doctor, he should be given noble price for peace

A FC spokesperson advises US to respect country' s law and judiciary(is tribal court a judiciary where the accused is not allowed a lawyer?0 whereas that spokesperson's leaders are not respecting the judiciary. Charity begins at home.

When a state becomes feudal and disfunctional, unsavoury things happen leading to what one sees in the country.

This is amazing! World's most dreaded terrorist was in Pakistan and a Pakistani helped to trace him eventually leading to his being hunted down. Instead of treating him like a world hero, which is what the rest of the world will treat him like, he is tried for treason! Where is the justice? Which side of the war on terror is Pakistan on? What kind of message does it send to other citizens who may have information on other terrorists. Who is to try Pakistan for not being able to nab HBL for so many years? Has the world not sacrificed enough lives due to the act of terrorists? Has Pakistan not? How do you expect the world to trust you?

Would the Americans accept whole-heartedly a clandestine Pakistani operation on their soil with the help of their citizen? Would they not charge him?

Being a devil's advocate, even a murderer has a very sound justification for his crime but law takes its course and murderer is punished. So all logic besides, thief is the person who is caught by law. So let justice take its course. If judgment is unjust, the affectee can knock the doors of justice. Public may not take law into its hands.

When USA sentences Afia Siddique on summary trial, it is law taking its course, but when other countries follow the law of land, world assumes the role of an arbitrator.

I agree with the writer on the point that the Doctor and Americans committed ethical violations by carrying out a fake vaccination program. The Doctor needs to be tried for that. Its also amazing to read the comments of all terming it an injustice to try the Doctor for treason. By definition Treason is "The crime of betraying one's country" and he did betray the country by collaborating with another country without the knowledge of his own government. I am not sure but maybe his being part of a conspiracy of running a fake vaccination program could also fall into treason as he did betray his country in this offence as well. It is also interesting to see people bashing Pakistan in this whole episode but being silent spectators in grossest of human violations, The Guantanamo Bay prison camp, where prisoners have no rights are are being tried with out any legal defence. I mean if you defence lawyers are forced on you by the prosecuting army, it becomes a sham. Also everybody refers to this whole thing as war on terror but surprisingly when it comes to labeling the enemy combatants, the term prisoners of war do not apply to them. They can basically be treated worse than animals as even animals have some rights, but not these people. We have to trust what ever the Americans have to say about it. This is the Justice of the World. The world stays silent when a countries borders are bombed by drones and people are target killed without being given a chance at their defence. The truth is that in this age Antiamericanism is terrorism. Thats it. They should change the definition of Terrorism to this. Also the definition of treason needs to be changed as well. Treason should be the crime of betraying America. With these definitions in place Dr. Afridi should indeed be nominated for Nobel Prize and Half of the world should be nuked to get rid of this terrorism. Lets face it, this whole war on terror is a sham. If group of countries can wage a war on a number of countries for its own vested interests, such violations of human rights will take place. And lastly, the trial by a tribal court is just the first step. He can challenge the decision in high court and retain as many american or international defence lawyers as he want. Both the parties can further go to supreme court if they are not satisfied with the decisions of high court.

Pakistan as the epicentre? What were the origins of Al-Qaeeda? In fact, the real epicentre is USA whose foreign policies have been the direct source of all these hate groups that we find amongst ourselves. Please also enlighten us as to how many Pakistanis have been involved in terrorism related incidents in foreign countries? The only reason I can think of for publishing your comments, is for the rest of us to learn a lesson in how not to type a post which is completely devoid of any argument or logic and comprises solely of non sensical ranting against a sovereign nation. We may be experiencing hard times right now but we are eons away from being a failed state.

still in denial, aren;t we sabiha.. i think our mentality needs to be changed.. or else in our own times we will see some very bad days for pakistan... allah raham kare.

which doors of justice... ?? the ones which showed him the way towards 33 yrs of imprisonment... you got to be kiddin me.. he should be the one who had to be garlanded and showered with rose petals rather than that taseer killer... but then its pakistan we talking about and people like you Sabiha who still live in denial and take pride in justifying their stands... wake up before its too late.

wonderful! amazing! The pride and honor of Pakistan has been restored. So what if a mass murderer was hiding with possible sanction of authorities. So what if this man helped capture that murderer. I think this judgment shows two things: 1. Where Pakistan really stands on issues such as terror and murder 2. The US doesn't stand by those who help it - Obama hung the doctor out to dry The first isn't surprising, but the second is somewhat shocking.

People who betray their own country should be summarily tried and killed. There should be zero tolerance for treason.

one sentence to rebut that...... i reckon for you, OBL is a mighty superhero.. kudos mate.. way to go.

"The truth is that Pakistan’s sovereignty would have been better protected with better vigilance, and — something that the US should also note — an effort by both Pakistan and the US to undertake aggressive joint operations against suspected terrorists." The Pakistani military will have nothing to do with establishing an integrated command structure like the WWII U.S.-British Combined Ops. " Dr Afridi’s actual crime has been ignored: the fake vaccination campaign -" Were the vaccinations fake? Or was this just an allegation created to smear the reputation of Dr. Afridi? Remember, this was one of the first tidbits released to the press. It would seem to me that if this accusation is false its originator should be blamed for creating "misperceptions" that could damage the health of the Pakistani public.

Continue living in your world of denial.

Your side of sar pakistan is on. Do you understand now?

Your side of wad pakistan is on. Do you understand now?

Thank you my indian. We only expect no more than this from you.

afraid should lose his medical license and should be traded for Afia Siddiqi

it is interesting that Hafiz Saeed with a mountain of evidence against him walks free with state provided security and transportation. Afridi, who helped helped identify an internationally designated criminal, is tortured and jailed in record time!

A few years ago, a woman was raped alleged by army officers. She was forced out of the country while the officers were untouched (and supported by the then president, Gen Musharraf). justice seems to come swiftly on the innocent or the victims while the perpetrators walk free and proud.

Really don't see how he betrayed his country. You will first have to explain how the act of revealing the presence of Bin Laden to the Americans is an act against Pakistan. Explain that first and I will then consider if the good doctors actions are in any way a betrayal of Pakistan.

Can you explain for us ignorant ones what, Afia a Pakistani and a scientist, was doing in Afghanistan? Where did Americans arrest her - in Lahore? Was there any denial that she shot at Americans? People like you are making Pakistan and Islam a laughing stock in the larger world.

You have numerous facts wrong and some misconceptions. Probably not worth the effort to try to correct, but.... 1. "Collaborating with another country without the knowledge of your own country" is probably not going to stand the test of treason. Any tour guide could be imprisoned based on that description. 2. Guantanamo prisoners do have rights - you need to get beyond the oil-slick of anti Guantanamo propaganda to read about them. They are minimal rights, as fitting for dangerous people. I suggest you make the effort to dig deeper into this.. 3. You do not understand the system of military justice in the US and so probably can be forgiven for thinking that an appointed lawyer is the same as not having legal advice. The appointed lawyers are strong advocates for their clients. Also, you appear unaware that several of the Guantanamo inmates also have civilian lawyers assisting who are not appointed. The appointed are probably the better resource since they are schooled in Military justice. (Personally I consider the idea of trials for prisoners of war during times of hostility as very odd. Probably not what Pakistan did with Indian prisoners during your wars.) 4. As to those in Guantanamo being treated as Prisoners of War (POW), the problem is they do not conduct themselves as a military body per the Geneva Convention - You don't play by the rules, the rules don't apply to you. Simple as that. Again, you need to do more homework. As to "being treated worse than animals", the poor in your streets are treated worse. People at Guantanamo have been taught to read, provided with books, allowed exercise equipment (e.g. footballs) and fed and housed well. In fact, most of those in at Guantanamo have gained considerable weight while there. 5. Drones would go away if Pakistan would clean it's own house. India is not your current enemy so it is foolish to tie up your resources guarding an un-threatened boarder when you ignore the one (and areas of your country) from which you are being regularly attacked. The Taliban have killed more Pakistani military and civilians than 1000 Salala's. As to the outcries over sovereignty, I keep waiting for the US to request a meeting with representatives of the Pakistani government and military to be held in some place like Miranshah. Does Pakistan have adequate control over that city to pull it off? How about Karachi? If the drone attacks are so devastating to the innocent, why not let in the news media to report on it. Seems to me the Taliban who control these areas don't want the world to know how accurate and effective these strikes are. bin Laden, certainly knew. He kept as far away from them and as far out of sight as he could and advised his troops to do the same. As I said earlier, clean up your own house and the drones will go away. 6. Unless I am mistaken, by Pakistani law there is no appeal to the tribal court verdict. This trial and verdict is doing Pakistan no favors.

Haider, I whole heartedly agree with you. Collaboration with spy agencies of any country other than his is treason and should be punished accordingly. We are under no obligation to cooperate with any country especially when they continue to attack our tribal territories.

pakistan people must act to this injustice done to him,as a indian with no harm feeling just think what are you giving to ur generation a "justification of war in the name of a religion" .Remember as i live in india we have multiple religion which give us this wisdom that religion is for one self and not for the country and never to take a life of innocent and not even enemy without arms,our sole duty should be for the country and for that sake our highest religion should be patriotism.Only then we can make peace and love in our hearts.

Proud of you ,Wasim.

If it's law taking course, why try him in a tribal court which is far away from Abottabad? There are numerous crimes that are committed in Abottabad. How come they aren't tried in a tribal court?

Amir Saheb, it is people like you who make Paksitan what it is today.....a country living in tribal, barberic 7th century.

Why was the trial in secret? Why was he denied the benefit of counsel? The crime occurred in Abottabad, so why was he tried in a tribal court? Amir - it's people like you - with a false sense of nationalism that justifies the flouting of law and due process in the country.

Yes, for example those who overthrow the Constitution every once in a while. And also those who aid known terrorists and also those who acquit them.

I am a grateful and proud American. And, YES, I WOULD ACCEPT A CLAND STINE PAKISTANI OPERATION IF AMERICA WAS SUPPORTING, HIDING A KNOWN TERRORIST AND VISCIOUS MURDERER OF INNOCENT MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

"Please also enlighten us" are you serious.. many pakistanis (Except the likes of NFP and Hoodboy) are surprisingly blind to facts. @fazal.. it pains me to say this, but all the carnage that you guys see in Pakistan is actually your own doing and you guys deserve it. Keep blaming USA/India/Israel and so on and so forth.. good luck

If they caught Osama, the answer is yes. The US wanted the man dead, Pakistan apparently did not

"the law of land"? Huh!

the problem people is this guy was on CIA payroll...secretly working/spying for another country .... OBL was evil he got him...fine...but he actually did spy for another country....

Hi--Of course US would accept provided US also claims the target is an enemy. In OBL case, he was enemy of Pakistan as well as US and the rest of the world. Only saddest minds like you are disapproving the action, unfortunately.

Afridi is a hero and Pakistan is on the wrong side of the issue as always. The ISI and the Army cannot take the fact that they were either complicit or ignorant about the whereabouts of the worlds most wanted man. So they take it out on a helpless person. What cowardice.

It is waste of time to discuss whether the sentence is good or bad.

Whether OBL was being protected by some agency or any state dept, Dr. Afridi should have contacted institutions within Pakistan (including judicial). There is no justification for teaming up with another country's agencies to exterminate OBL!!! Bypassing institutions of your own country is TREASON!!!

What was Afia doing where she was arrested from? neglecting her children and family.

I have no doubt that most of the commentators here are from India !!!

Bad then worst is the next day for Pakistan. "Theory of Denail" is palying a great part in it.

OBL was never in Pakistan. He most likely died around 2001/2002. This is why he was never ever seen by anyone. No one got to see his dead body either.

"There is no justification for collaborating with the spy agency of another country for carrying out a raid on one's country, whatever the circumstances. No state in the world will brook that". Let me guess the name of the state, ummm Pakistan. What mandate did Musharaf have when he was literally selling Pakistanis to CIA. "The US has no right to clamour about miscarriage of justice. If Dr. Afridi has been sentenced without the due process of law, so are the Guantanamo Bay prisoners" o_O ! Seriously ?

Thanks for saying truth. Agreed !))

Was Aafia tried under normal US law or some draconian frontiers crimes (etc) law?

Indeed, fake vaccination program is his only crime and may have significant fall out for public health and the meager trust public programs anyway inspire in this part of the world. It is strange that this is not even mentioned. When a polio vaccination campaign was in full swing in parts of UP, some local clerics adviced their community against it, calling it unIslamic. A subsequent outbreak in polio was traced to this.

Your own people are dying daily -- Pakistan has always covered up for terrorists-Haquani network, hiding Bin Laden, Bombay attacks The common people are good in Pakistan -they deserve better opportunities in terms of education and growth. The army and governmnet need to keep those goals in mind I feel the country can move ahead if it focuses on growth and education rather than acting like an ostrich and burying its head in the sand -refusing to acknowledge how the world sees you

Very well said sir. Instead of questioning how World most wanted terrorist was living among Pakistanis they are questioning sovereignty of state and torturing heros like Dr Afridi, It seem majority of Pakistanis are drugged and unable to differentiate between right and wrong. God help this country.

Dear Fazal, Lets not get emotional. What else is required to call us a FAILED STATE? 1. The writ of the state runs only small pockets of urban areas. The entire FATA, Balochistan, parts of Sindh and Punjab are run by local ganglords. 2. No new investment, domestic or foreign is taking place in any sector. 3. Half of the population, women , have no recourse to justice. 4. Minorities, including our own Ahmediyas, (not to talk of Christians and HIndus) are openly branded traitors and awarded death sentence en masse and can't even complain. 5. Our neighbours, simply, would want nothing to do with us, but for our nuisance making potential. 6. Large swathe of our children want to grow up and become terrorists. 7. Our own GDP, isn't enough to pay even 37% of our outstanding debts and salaries to govt employees. 8. One third of our country decided to separate from us and another third has been crying for it. for last thirty years. 9. Bangladesh, our erstwhile brother, and one third our size, performs better on health indicators and exports, consistently for last 15 yrs. Pray tell me, your definition of FAILED STATE

No country would tolerate it Dr Khan. What you are missing in your argument is the fact that Pakistan leadership said that we stand with the world to fight against the terrorism while most wanted terroristwas living very close to a prime military academy for years and nobody knew about it. No matter what anyone says, you can't explain away this fact and you can't expect to bite the had that is feeding you without any reprucussions!

It is shameful for Pakistan. The sooner the so called leaders of the so called Islamic Republic and its citizens wake up and smell the coffee there is hope, otherwise there will be no Pakistan.

Please get away from self denial.!! This is the reason for the current state of Pakistan..!!

Why not start with the government..! They are helping the war on terror for roughly 10 years..!1

Even The killing via Drones is unjustified. The court must decide their fate after hearing them properly. As for as treason concerned, 33 years is less punishment

Nobody in the military or ISI lost their jobs for 'not knowing' that OBL was living in Abbotabad with such a large family. All their incompetent rage has been taken on this poor doctor who played a small role in aiding the americans. Classic case is it - The criminal big fish going scot free & the small fish getting fried

It was not a summary trial. It was a full-blown trial lasting many weeks in open court attended by world press and her relatives. She was represented an army of lawyers of HER choosing. A summary trial is what Dr. Afridi received.