Senate chairperson Mian Raza Rabbani has lashed out at US presidential candidate Donald Trump for his remarks pertaining to the release of Dr. Shakil Afridi, saying Pakistan is a sovereign country and will not succumb to dictations.
"We are a sovereign nation and have our own priorities," said Rabbani during a ceremony held in honour of Labour Day at Karachi on Saturday, reports Dawn.
Trump had earlier said that he would ensure Pakistani physician Dr. Afridi, who allegedly helped the US nab Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in Abbotabad, is freed from jail within 'two minutes' if he gets elected.
The doctor, revered as a hero in the US, is serving a 33-year-long punishment in jail for treason.
The Senate chief and Pakistan Peoples Party leader said America has a long history of misusing its diplomatic ties with the country, be it the Raymond Davis issue or others.
Rabbani further said the friendly relations of the two countries are not equal.
Also Read
"They always intend to support the US national security, no matter what happens to Pakistan," he said.
The head of the US Congress committee on foreign relations has decided not to extend financial assistance to Pakistan in buying eight F-16 jets, citing reservations of some Congressmen, said Rabbani.