KASWAR KLASRA

ISLAMABAD: Utterly alarmed by the continuous criticism of former DG ISI Lt Gen (Retd) Hamid Gul, US Embassy has rejected the accusations that the US government was involved in the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

In a statement issued here on Wednesday, the Spokes person said the United States rejects the allegations made by Gen (Retd) Hamid Gul that the United States Government was involved in the ‘assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, “The United States rejects and other false allegations regularly made by Lt Gen (Retd) GUI about its policies and activities. At the time of Ms Bhutto’s murder, the US swiftly and publicly condemned the act and called for an independent investigation,” said the US Embassy.

The Spokesperson advised Pakistani anchors to present a balanced story. The Spokes person complained despite the fact that Gul gave no proof far his allegations against the United States, his statements were not challenged by any of the TV anchors who invited him to their programmes.

“TV stations and the anchors have the same obligations as other journalists and they should present the public with balanced views, question unsubstantiated allegations by guests and reject incitement,” the spokesman added. The US Embassy wotild do better to teach the American media ethics and norms rather than putting pressure on Pakistani media, said the senior journalists.
Source: The Nation
Date:4/22/2010