Dr Shakil Afridi did not commit treason: US Department of Defence

WASHINGTON: The US department of defense has reacted to Dr. Shakil Afridi's sentence and repeated the stance that Dr. Afridi helped provide intelligence that was very helpful with regards to this operation, and he was not in any way treasonous towards Pakistan.

The department spokesperson added that Pakistan and the United States have a common cause here against terrorism, have a common cause against al Qaeda. The spokesperson said that the Secretary has already said "It is a real mistake on Pakistan's part."

Dr. Afridi was sentenced to 33 years in prison for treason for his part in assisting the US in its hunt of Osama bin Laden.

Shakeel Afridi, who was sacked as a government doctor two months ago, was found guilty under the tribal justice system of Khyber district.