RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: The United States has temporarily restricted movement of the US government personnel in Islamabad, following the killing of a Pakistani citizen and injuring another in a road accident by embassy’s defence and air attaché on Saturday last.

“As a result of a fatal accident involving an embassy vehicle over this past weekend, movements by the US government personnel in Islamabad have been temporarily restricted,” said the US Embassy in a security alert issued on the official website of the embassy.

The embassy also instructed the US government personnel to avoid crowds, demonstrations by keeping a low profile and monitor local media for updates. They have also been asked to be aware of their surroundings, review their personal security plans and notify friends and family of their safety.

On Saturday, a US Embassy vehicle driven by Col Joseph Emanuel Hall, the defence and air attaché at the embassy in Islamabad hit a motorcycle carrying two men reportedly crossing the red traffic signal at the intersection of Margalla Road and 7th Avenue.

As a result, a student Attiq Baig died due to a head injury and his cousin Raheel Ahmed suffered serious injuries. It was followed by summoning of the US Ambassador David Hale on Sunday at the Foreign Office who was lodged a strong protest by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua.

“The foreign secretary conveyed that justice will take its course in accordance with the law of the land and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961,” stated a Foreign Office statement.

The US Embassy in a statement on Sunday expressed its deep sympathies with the families of the deceased and the injured in the tragic traffic accident. “Embassy officials are cooperating with local authorities who are investigating the accident,” it added.