Attack on US diplomats in Pak could have ‘alarming’ effect on ties: Patterson

ISLAMABAD - Expressing concerns over the recent surge in terror strikes in the country, the US ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson has warned that any attack on American diplomats in Lahore or other cities could have ‘alarming’ effects on bilateral relations.

According to sources, Patterson has raised the issue with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and highlighted Washington’s concern over some media reports identifying some residences leased by American officials in Lahore.

In her letter to Qureshi, Patterson has termed such media reports ‘irresponsible’ and said that they was posing a threat to US citizens in the city.

“US mission in Pakistan have been receiving information about terror threats from various sources, including its own intelligence,” The Dawn quoted Patterson’s letter, as saying.

Patterson said according to international laws Islamabad must protect foreign diplomats stationed in the country and called for foolproof security measures to prevent any untoward activity targeting US’ officials.

She said that the US government does not consider the news reports as official policy of the Pakistan government but viewed them as an incitement for violence against Americans. (ANI)