US tells Pak to release 'Osama doc' Afridi or forego $33 million assistance

The United States is seeking Pakistan to release Dr Shakil Afridi, the doctor who helped the U.S. find out slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden from his hideout in Abbottabad, or give up on 33 million dollars from the annual assistance it receives from the super power.

The bill to fund the United States government binds the US administration to withhold 33 million dollars from the funds meant for Pakistan.

The fund will be withheld 'until the Secretary of State reports to Congress that Dr Shakil Afridi has been released from prison and cleared of all charges relating to the assistance provided to the United States in locating Laden', Dawn News reports.

According to the report, in the bill, Congress has also set aside clear benchmarks for Pakistan to fight terrorism.

It has warned the South Asian nation that on failing to curb terrorism could lead to the suspension of US assistance.

The suggested measures are included in a trillion-dollar spending bill Congress approved on Tuesday to fund the government for the remainder of the current fiscal year.

A portion of the bill comprises guidelines for the US on how to provide both military and economic assistance to Pakistan during the current fiscal year, the report added.