In response to media reports about the alleged involvement of a Pakistani national in a foiled assassination attempt in the United States, the Foreign Office of Pakistan is seeking further information from the US authorities. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that Pakistan is in contact with Washington and awaiting additional details regarding the case.
Baloch mentioned, “We have seen the media reports. We are in touch with the US authorities and await further details.” She also emphasized the need to verify the background of the individual involved before providing a formal reaction.
The incident involves Asif Merchant, a 46-year-old Pakistani man with alleged ties to Iran, who has been charged in the US in connection with the plot. Merchant reportedly attempted to recruit individuals in the US to carry out an assassination as retaliation for the 2020 killing of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards’ top commander Qassem Soleimani by a US drone strike. The criminal complaint filed in federal court in Brooklyn accuses Merchant of murder for hire.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Justice Department to counter Iran’s attempts to retaliate against American officials for Soleimani’s death. The FBI believes the intended targets of the plot included former president Donald Trump and other current and former US government officials. However, the court documents do not specify the alleged targets.
The Pakistani Foreign Office is closely monitoring the situation and has noted that this is an ongoing investigation. Further comments from the Justice Department and related parties are awaited as the investigation progresses.
To Keep Updated Visit & Follow our Facebook Page Or Our Website
