US diplomat-cum-Pak expert under investigation over counter-intelligence allegations

Veteran US diplomat and long-time Pakistan expert Robin L. Raphel is reportedly facing federal investigation on counter-intelligence allegations.

The Washington Post reported that Raphel, 67, was under investigation as part of a counterintelligence probe and has had her security clearances withdrawn.

Raphael's contract with the State Department is said to have expired this week.

The US diplomat's Northwest Washington home was raided by the FBI last month, and her State Department office was also examined and sealed, the report said.

Raphael was considered as one of the most senior US government advisers on issues pertaining to Pakistan and other South Asian nations.

A spokesman for Raphel said she was cooperating with investigators but has not been told the "scope or nature or that she is the target" of any probe, the report said.