US can consider releasing Aafia in exchange for Afridi: Hoagland
Friday, August 31, 2012
ISLAMABAD: Acting US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Hoagland on Thursday revealed that Pakistan had never formally sought the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui in exchange for Dr Shakil Afridi, who is convicted of treason charges, but added that the United States can consider the release of Dr Aafia in exchange for Dr Afridi and is prepared to provide him shelter in the United States.
In an exclusive chat with The News at a diplomatic reception, Richard Hoagland said during the cold-war, his country had exchanged prisoners with the defunct Soviet Union, which was done through backdoor interactions. Like with Russia, the US has no formal agreement with Pakistan for the exchange of prisoners. “But everything is possible in this world, if the will exists,” he said with a broad smile…