The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, spoke with the family of the late journalist, Daniel Pearl, assuring them justice for Pearl’s murder.

“Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with members of the family of Daniel Pearl and their representatives today to assure them that the US government remains committed to pursuing justice and accountability for those involved in Daniel's kidnapping and murder,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/prosecution-failed-to-prove-guilt-of-main-accused-in-daniel-pearl-case-pak-sc-373600">Prosecution failed to prove guilt of main accused in Daniel Pearl case: Pak SC</a>

Daniel Pearl was a journalist for The Wall Street Journal’s South Asia bureau who was abducted and then killed while he was in Pakistan to investigate for a story on Al-Qaeda in 2002.

The US has expressed concerns over the release of multiple terrorists who had been held responsible for the murder of Daniel Pearl.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-supreme-court-orders-immediate-release-of-daniel-pearl-murder-prime-suspect-359828">Pakistan Supreme Court orders immediate release of Daniel Pearl murder prime suspect</a>

Blinken had also talked with his Pakistan counterpart, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, to discuss ways of ensuring justice for the murdered journalist and accountability for convicted terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh.

This has come a month after the Pakistan Supreme Court had allowed the government to move Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the main accused in this case, to the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore.

The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, spoke with the family of the late journalist, Daniel Pearl, assuring them justice for Pearl’s murder. “Secretary of State Antony J.

The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, spoke with the family of the late journalist, Daniel Pearl, assuring them justice for Pearl’s murder. “Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with members of the family of Daniel Pearl and their representatives today to assure them that the US government remains committed to pursuing justice and accountability for those involved in Daniel's kidnapping and murder,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said. Also read | Prosecution failed to prove guilt of main accused in Daniel Pearl case: Pak SC Daniel Pearl was a journalist for The Wall Street Journal’s South Asia bureau who was abducted and then killed while he was in Pakistan to investigate for a story on Al-Qaeda in 2002. The US has expressed concerns over the release of multiple terrorists who had been held responsible for the murder of Daniel Pearl. Also read | Pakistan Supreme Court orders immediate release of Daniel Pearl murder prime suspect Blinken had also talked with his Pakistan counterpart, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, to discuss ways of ensuring justice for the murdered journalist and accountability for convicted terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh. This has come a month after the Pakistan Supreme Court had allowed the government to move Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the main accused in this case, to the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore.

US: Anthony Blinken assures justice to Daniel Pearl's family

Pakistan's Supreme Court has criticised the prosecution for its failure to prove the guilt of British-born al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the main accused in the sensational kidnapping and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002, according to a media report.

The apex court issued its detailed 43-page judgment on Friday, which has been authored by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood -&nbsp;who was part of the three-member bench.

Dawn newspaper reported that the judges held that the evidence furnished during the trial was full of factual and legal defects.

The judgement explains the reasons why the Supreme Court had on January 28 acquitted, by a majority of two to one, Omar Sheikh and others and ordered the release of the principal suspect as well as Fahad Nasim Ahmed, Syed Salman Saqib and Shaikh Mohammd Adil from the jail forthwith, if not required to be detained in connection with any other case.

Pearl, 38, was the South Asia bureau chief of The Wall Street Journal. His murder took place three years after Sheikh, along with Jaish-e-Mohammad chief (JeM) Masood Azhar and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, was released by India in 1999 and given safe passage to Afghanistan in exchange for the nearly 150 passengers of hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814.

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on April 2, 2020 commuted the death sentence of Sheikh convicted of kidnapping and murdering US journalist Pearl in 2002 to seven years and acquitted three others who were serving life terms in the case --&nbsp;almost two decades after they were found guilty and jailed.

The SC on January 28 ordered authorities to release the accused while issuing a split order. The third member of the bench Justice Yahya Afridi did not agree with the majority view and issued a dissenting note. Justice Yahya Afridi, a member of the bench, had dissented from the majority opinion.

The judgment said the majority of judges were entertaining no amount of doubt that prosecution had failed to bring home guilt of the accused/respondents and appellant as the evidence furnished during the trial is full of factual and legal defects.

"In this case, regarding each and every piece of evidence, the doubts are emerging from the mouth of the witnesses, and it is settled since centuries that the benefit of doubt automatically goes in favour of an accused,? the verdict said.

Even if a single circumstance created reasonable doubt in a prudent mind regarding the guilt of an accused then the accused was entitled to such benefit, not as a matter of grace and concession but of right, and such benefit must be extended to the accused persons by the courts without any reservation, the verdict said.

Thus the SHC had rightly extended the benefit of the doubt to Fahad Nasim Ahmed, Syed Salman Saqib and Sheikh Mohammad Adil and acquitted them of all the charges and had also rightly extended the benefit of the doubt to Omar Sheikh regarding all other charges, the judgement said.

But the SHC wrongly convicted him under Section 362 of the PPC when the evidence of Nasir Abbas was full of doubts and no reliance could be placed on such a doubtful statement.

So the conviction of Sheikh was not justified, the judgement said, adding that though the counsel for the parents of Pearl argued that it was a high-profile case, even in such cases the benefit of the doubt could not be extended to the prosecution.

Meanwhile, Justice Afridi in his 52-page dissenting note observed that in cases of conspiracy, direct evidence was seldom available and a conspiracy could be established by circumstantial evidence.

Voicing outrage over the acquittal of Sheikh and his aides, the White House had asked Pakistan to expeditiously review its legal options, including allowing the US to prosecute them to secure justice for Pearl's family.

Amid mounting pressure from the US and the UN, the federal government filed an application before the apex court to be allowed to join as a party in the proceedings and further seek review and recall of the court's January 28 judgement.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Supreme Court has criticised the prosecution for its failure to prove the guilt of British-born al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the main accused in the sensational kidnapping and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002, according to a media report.

Pakistan's Supreme Court has criticised the prosecution for its failure to prove the guilt of British-born al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the main accused in the sensational kidnapping and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002, according to a media report. The apex court issued its detailed 43-page judgment on Friday, which has been authored by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood - who was part of the three-member bench. Dawn newspaper reported that the judges held that the evidence furnished during the trial was full of factual and legal defects. The judgement explains the reasons why the Supreme Court had on January 28 acquitted, by a majority of two to one, Omar Sheikh and others and ordered the release of the principal suspect as well as Fahad Nasim Ahmed, Syed Salman Saqib and Shaikh Mohammd Adil from the jail forthwith, if not required to be detained in connection with any other case. Pearl, 38, was the South Asia bureau chief of The Wall Street Journal. His murder took place three years after Sheikh, along with Jaish-e-Mohammad chief (JeM) Masood Azhar and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, was released by India in 1999 and given safe passage to Afghanistan in exchange for the nearly 150 passengers of hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814. The Sindh High Court (SHC) on April 2, 2020 commuted the death sentence of Sheikh convicted of kidnapping and murdering US journalist Pearl in 2002 to seven years and acquitted three others who were serving life terms in the case -- almost two decades after they were found guilty and jailed. The SC on January 28 ordered authorities to release the accused while issuing a split order. The third member of the bench Justice Yahya Afridi did not agree with the majority view and issued a dissenting note. Justice Yahya Afridi, a member of the bench, had dissented from the majority opinion. The judgment said the majority of judges were entertaining no amount of doubt that prosecution had failed to bring home guilt of the accused/respondents and appellant as the evidence furnished during the trial is full of factual and legal defects. "In this case, regarding each and every piece of evidence, the doubts are emerging from the mouth of the witnesses, and it is settled since centuries that the benefit of doubt automatically goes in favour of an accused,? the verdict said. Even if a single circumstance created reasonable doubt in a prudent mind regarding the guilt of an accused then the accused was entitled to such benefit, not as a matter of grace and concession but of right, and such benefit must be extended to the accused persons by the courts without any reservation, the verdict said. Thus the SHC had rightly extended the benefit of the doubt to Fahad Nasim Ahmed, Syed Salman Saqib and Sheikh Mohammad Adil and acquitted them of all the charges and had also rightly extended the benefit of the doubt to Omar Sheikh regarding all other charges, the judgement said. But the SHC wrongly convicted him under Section 362 of the PPC when the evidence of Nasir Abbas was full of doubts and no reliance could be placed on such a doubtful statement. So the conviction of Sheikh was not justified, the judgement said, adding that though the counsel for the parents of Pearl argued that it was a high-profile case, even in such cases the benefit of the doubt could not be extended to the prosecution. Meanwhile, Justice Afridi in his 52-page dissenting note observed that in cases of conspiracy, direct evidence was seldom available and a conspiracy could be established by circumstantial evidence. Voicing outrage over the acquittal of Sheikh and his aides, the White House had asked Pakistan to expeditiously review its legal options, including allowing the US to prosecute them to secure justice for Pearl's family. Amid mounting pressure from the US and the UN, the federal government filed an application before the apex court to be allowed to join as a party in the proceedings and further seek review and recall of the court's January 28 judgement.

Prosecution failed to prove guilt of main accused in Daniel Pearl case: Pak SC

&nbsp;A total of 36 members of the US Congress on Tuesday issued a letter to Pakistan`s Ambassador to the United States, urging the country to undertake a full review of acquittal of the accused in the case of 2002 killing of American journalist Daniel Pearl.

In a letter to Pakistan envoy Asad Majeed Khan, the US lawmakers said, "In the years since the tragic murder of Daniel Pearl, the US and Pakistan have maintained a robust partnership, particularly in the areas of security cooperation, energy, trade, and investment. We look forward to continuing to work with you to advance this relationship."

<img alt="aa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1580beb5-40ed-4018-b80a-b4add131c46f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2817%29_20.jpg" />

"Nevertheless, in pursuit of justice for Pearl and the countless others who have been murdered by acts of terrorism, it is incumbent upon us to urge you to do your utmost to ensure that the Government of Pakistan conducts a full review of the acquittal in the case of Daniel Pearl," the letter said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/news-alert-us-congress-writes-to-pak-ambassador-to-review-daniel-pearl-murder-case-361004/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This comes after Pakistan's&nbsp;Supreme Court ordered the release of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, convicted in 2002 of orchestrating the abduction and killing of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl.

Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said in a statement that the US is prepared to prosecute Sheikh in the US, a position that the lawmakers strongly supported.

The letter, which was signed by the likes of Ro Khanna and Brad Sherman further said, "A statement issued on January 28th by the office of the Attorney General for Pakistan indicates that your government will conduct a full review of the acquittal passed by the Supreme Court. We welcome the decision to file a Review Petition and expect the Pakistani government to expeditiously move to recall the order of acquittal to ensure justice is served."

''We expect the Pakistani government to expeditiously move to recall the order of acquittal to ensure justice is served," said Congressman Sherman. Pakistan`s Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the authorities to shift terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the prime accused in Pearl`s murder, from a death cell in the Karachi Central Prison to government rest house within the next two or three days.

The country`s apex court also ordered authorities to ensure the complete security of the rest house, Geo News reported.

A three-member bench of the Supreme Court resumed hearing on Tuesday on the petition filed by the Sindh government seeking review of the apex court order to release the terrorist in connection with the journalist`s murder case.

The apex court, on Monday, had extended the detention of Sheikh by one day on the request of the Sindh government to review his release. Sheikh was one of three terrorists released by India in 1999 in exchange for a hijacked airliner.

In 2002, Pearl, the 38-year-old journalist of The Wall Street Journal`s South Asia bureau, was abducted and beheaded while he was in Pakistan to investigate a story of terror groups` links to Al-Qaeda.

A total of 36 members of the US Congress on Tuesday issued a letter to Pakistan`s Ambassador to the United States, urging the country to undertake a full review of acquittal of the accused in the case of 2002 killing of American journalist Daniel Pearl.

A total of 36 members of the US Congress on Tuesday issued a letter to Pakistan`s Ambassador to the United States, urging the country to undertake a full review of acquittal of the accused in the case of 2002 killing of American journalist Daniel Pearl. In a letter to Pakistan envoy Asad Majeed Khan, the US lawmakers said, "In the years since the tragic murder of Daniel Pearl, the US and Pakistan have maintained a robust partnership, particularly in the areas of security cooperation, energy, trade, and investment. We look forward to continuing to work with you to advance this relationship." "Nevertheless, in pursuit of justice for Pearl and the countless others who have been murdered by acts of terrorism, it is incumbent upon us to urge you to do your utmost to ensure that the Government of Pakistan conducts a full review of the acquittal in the case of Daniel Pearl," the letter said. This comes after Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered the release of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, convicted in 2002 of orchestrating the abduction and killing of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said in a statement that the US is prepared to prosecute Sheikh in the US, a position that the lawmakers strongly supported. The letter, which was signed by the likes of Ro Khanna and Brad Sherman further said, "A statement issued on January 28th by the office of the Attorney General for Pakistan indicates that your government will conduct a full review of the acquittal passed by the Supreme Court. We welcome the decision to file a Review Petition and expect the Pakistani government to expeditiously move to recall the order of acquittal to ensure justice is served." ''We expect the Pakistani government to expeditiously move to recall the order of acquittal to ensure justice is served," said Congressman Sherman. Pakistan`s Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the authorities to shift terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the prime accused in Pearl`s murder, from a death cell in the Karachi Central Prison to government rest house within the next two or three days. The country`s apex court also ordered authorities to ensure the complete security of the rest house, Geo News reported. A three-member bench of the Supreme Court resumed hearing on Tuesday on the petition filed by the Sindh government seeking review of the apex court order to release the terrorist in connection with the journalist`s murder case. The apex court, on Monday, had extended the detention of Sheikh by one day on the request of the Sindh government to review his release. Sheikh was one of three terrorists released by India in 1999 in exchange for a hijacked airliner. In 2002, Pearl, the 38-year-old journalist of The Wall Street Journal`s South Asia bureau, was abducted and beheaded while he was in Pakistan to investigate a story of terror groups` links to Al-Qaeda.

36 US lawmakers ask Pak for review of acquittal in Daniel Pearl's murder case

The Pakistan Supreme Court (SC) has fixed the Sindh government`s plea for hearing on Monday (February 1) against the release of all accused involved in American Journalist Daniel Pearl murder case, reported The Express Tribune.

The three-judge bench led by Justice Umar Ata Bandial will take up the Sindh government`s plea seeking a stay on the Sindh High Court (SHC) December 24 decision regarding the release of all accused persons.

Sindh government and Daniel Pearl's parents have moved the SC against the Sindh High Court (SHC) on April 2, 2020 order to release the four men accused of abducting and killing the Wall Street Journal's former South Asia bureau chief in 2002, reported The Express Tribune. SHC division bench on April 2 commuted the death sentence of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh to seven years and acquitted three others who were serving life terms.

Sindh provincial government has challenged the April 2 order in the Supreme Court. The three-judge bench on January 25 issued notices to the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) and all advocate generals for legal assistance in the matter, reported The Express Tribune.

Earlier on last Monday`s hearing, Sindh Advocate General Suleman Talibuddin claimed that the SHC`s Dec 24 release order did not contain detailed reasons."One of the findings recorded by the [SHC] short order is that the respondents [accused persons] are not `enemy aliens` within the meaning of Article 10 (9) of the Constitution. Meaning of this term is hitherto judicially unexplained," Talibuddin said.

The Sindh government claimed that the accused persons fall in the category of "enemy aliens".The three-judge bench will examine the legal term "enemy aliens" that needs to be explained in the context of the Daniel Pearl murder case.

Sindh government told the SC bench that they had placed material as proof on record of the SCH as justification but the same was rejected."Now the Sindh government has requested the bench to pronounce authoritative judgment on the law and facts," said the order-sheet issued by the Justice Bandial bench.

The AGP Khalid Jawed Khan told the bench that the SHC in its short order had barred the Sindh government from exercising its authority under Article 10 except with the permission of the court, reported the Express Tribune.

He said the same constitutional provision authorises the provincial government to pass preventive detention of an individual. The AGP contended that the jurisdiction reserved to itself by the SHC is vested by the Constitution in the appropriate review board. As a result, the petitioner government has been divested of its powers conferred by the Constitution and regulated by the law, he stated.

The Pakistan Supreme Court (SC) has fixed the Sindh government`s plea for hearing on Monday (February 1) against the release of all accused involved in American Journalist Daniel Pearl murder case, reported The Express Tribune.

The Pakistan Supreme Court (SC) has fixed the Sindh government`s plea for hearing on Monday (February 1) against the release of all accused involved in American Journalist Daniel Pearl murder case, reported The Express Tribune. The three-judge bench led by Justice Umar Ata Bandial will take up the Sindh government`s plea seeking a stay on the Sindh High Court (SHC) December 24 decision regarding the release of all accused persons. Sindh government and Daniel Pearl's parents have moved the SC against the Sindh High Court (SHC) on April 2, 2020 order to release the four men accused of abducting and killing the Wall Street Journal's former South Asia bureau chief in 2002, reported The Express Tribune. SHC division bench on April 2 commuted the death sentence of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh to seven years and acquitted three others who were serving life terms. Sindh provincial government has challenged the April 2 order in the Supreme Court. The three-judge bench on January 25 issued notices to the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) and all advocate generals for legal assistance in the matter, reported The Express Tribune. Earlier on last Monday`s hearing, Sindh Advocate General Suleman Talibuddin claimed that the SHC`s Dec 24 release order did not contain detailed reasons."One of the findings recorded by the [SHC] short order is that the respondents [accused persons] are not `enemy aliens` within the meaning of Article 10 (9) of the Constitution. Meaning of this term is hitherto judicially unexplained," Talibuddin said. The Sindh government claimed that the accused persons fall in the category of "enemy aliens".The three-judge bench will examine the legal term "enemy aliens" that needs to be explained in the context of the Daniel Pearl murder case. Sindh government told the SC bench that they had placed material as proof on record of the SCH as justification but the same was rejected."Now the Sindh government has requested the bench to pronounce authoritative judgment on the law and facts," said the order-sheet issued by the Justice Bandial bench. The AGP Khalid Jawed Khan told the bench that the SHC in its short order had barred the Sindh government from exercising its authority under Article 10 except with the permission of the court, reported the Express Tribune. He said the same constitutional provision authorises the provincial government to pass preventive detention of an individual. The AGP contended that the jurisdiction reserved to itself by the SHC is vested by the Constitution in the appropriate review board. As a result, the petitioner government has been divested of its powers conferred by the Constitution and regulated by the law, he stated.

Pak SC to hear Sindh govt plea against release of Daniel Pearl murder accused on Feb 1

The Sindh government on Friday filed a review petition before Pakistan Supreme Court after it granted a release order for Omar Saeed Sheikh, the prime suspect in Daniel Pearl killing.

The Chinese government said it will "no longer recognise" the British national (overseas) passport which potentially benefits millions of Hong Kongers. The new visa path opens up entry to the UK to an estimated 2.9 million adults in Hong Kong and their dependents who number nearly 2.3 million.

Meanwhile, World Health Organisation (WHO) experts visited the visit in Wuhan as part of their investigation on the coronavirus origins. The field visits will include the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Huanan market and the Wuhan CDC laboratory, the WHO said. The Hunan market is considered to be first major cluster of coronavirus outbreak.

UK's transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said the UAE had been added to the 30 existing countries which are currently subject to a travel ban – along with Rwanda and Burundi in central Africa. This move will shut down the world's busiest international airline route from Dubai to London.

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The Sindh government on Friday filed a review petition before Pakistan Supreme Court after it granted a release order for Omar Saeed Sheikh, the prime suspect in Daniel Pearl killing.

The Sindh government on Friday filed a review petition before Pakistan Supreme Court after it granted a release order for Omar Saeed Sheikh, the prime suspect in Daniel Pearl killing. The Chinese government said it will "no longer recognise" the British national (overseas) passport which potentially benefits millions of Hong Kongers. The new visa path opens up entry to the UK to an estimated 2.9 million adults in Hong Kong and their dependents who number nearly 2.3 million. Meanwhile, World Health Organisation (WHO) experts visited the visit in Wuhan as part of their investigation on the coronavirus origins. The field visits will include the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Huanan market and the Wuhan CDC laboratory, the WHO said. The Hunan market is considered to be first major cluster of coronavirus outbreak. UK's transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said the UAE had been added to the 30 existing countries which are currently subject to a travel ban – along with Rwanda and Burundi in central Africa. This move will shut down the world's busiest international airline route from Dubai to London. Daniel Pearl killing: After US displeasure, Pakistan files review petition in Supreme Court Pakistan Supreme Court on Thursday had ordered the immediate release of Omar Saeed Sheikh, the prime suspect in Daniel Pearl killing who was convicted of the murder by a lower court in Pakistan Will no longer recognise UK's BNO passport for Hong Kongers: China According to the British government, starting January 31, holders of British national overseas status will be able to apply to live and work in the UK for up to five years and they can eventually seek a UK citizenship. World's busiest international airline route shuts as UK bans flights from UAE Emirates and Etihad normally carry large numbers of passengers connecting from Britain to destinations like Australia through their airport hubs, meaning the decision to cancel those flights will have far-reaching implications. EU publishes redacted AstraZeneca vaccine contract amid row The contract was signed on August 27 and the published version contains redacted parts related to some confidential information such as invoices. WHO coronavirus experts to start fieldwork in Wuhan Wuhan's food market that is considered to be the "ground zero" of coronavirus pandemic. NATO member Lithuania bans Chinese airport screening equipment The move came amid increased concern in the West over Chinese investments in critical infrastructure, including 5G telecommunications networks. Personal data stolen from Dutch coronavirus track-and-trace programme The GGD confirmed a media report that data had been stolen and apologised for what it said were two separate leaks. It said in a statement it did not know how many people were affected by the data theft, but they could number in the thousands. Taliban accuses US of violating Afghan deal The US signed a landmark deal with the insurgents last year, agreeing to withdraw all of its troops from the country in return for security guarantees after a stalemate on the battlefield. Bitcoin jumps 14 per cent to two-week high after Elon Musk tag GameStop Corp , which has been at the centre of retail trading frenzy, surged 50% on Tuesday after Musk tweeted "Gamestonk!!" In one year, Russia population shrinks by half a million Russia, like many other countries, is currently suffering excess mortality as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Top 10 world news: Pakistan files review petition in Supreme Court in Daniel Pearl case, China rejects UK's BNO passport

Psaki said the Pakistani court’s actions underscored the administration’s commitment to secure justice for Pearl’s family.

Daniel Pearl case: Jen Psaki calls on Pak govt to quickly review legal option

The US Attorney General said Tuesday the country "stands ready" to try a militant convicted of murdering American journalist Daniel Pearl whose release was ordered by a Pakistani court.

The decision by Sindh High Court to release the accused comes months after it sparked outrage for overturning the murder conviction and death sentence of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and acquitted three other men connected to the case.

The four are being held under the emergency orders of the local government while an ongoing appeal against their acquittals is heard in the Supreme Court.

"We remain grateful for the Pakistani government's actions to appeal such rulings to ensure that (Sheikh) and his co-defendants are held accountable. If, however, those efforts do not succeed, the United States stands ready to take custody of Omar Sheikh to stand trial here. We cannot allow him to evade justice for his role in Daniel Pearl’s abduction and murder," acting attorney general Jeffrey Rosen said in a statement.

Sheikh, a British-born jihadist who once studied at the London School of Economics and had been involved in previous kidnappings of foreigners, was arrested days after Pearl's abduction and later sentenced to death by hanging.

In January 2011, a report released by the Pearl Project at Georgetown University following an investigation into his death made chilling revelations, and said that the wrong men had been convicted for Pearl's murder.

The investigation, led by Pearl's friend and former Wall Street Journal colleague Asra Nomani and a Georgetown University professor, claimed the reporter was murdered by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the September 11, 2001 attacks, not Sheikh.

Pearl was South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal when he was abducted in Karachi in January 2002 while researching a story about Islamist militants. A graphic video showing his decapitation was delivered to the US consulate nearly a month later.

(with inputs from AFP)

The US Attorney General said Tuesday the country "stands ready" to try a militant convicted of murdering American journalist Daniel Pearl whose release was ordered by a Pakistani court.

The US Attorney General said Tuesday the country "stands ready" to try a militant convicted of murdering American journalist Daniel Pearl whose release was ordered by a Pakistani court. The decision by Sindh High Court to release the accused comes months after it sparked outrage for overturning the murder conviction and death sentence of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and acquitted three other men connected to the case. The four are being held under the emergency orders of the local government while an ongoing appeal against their acquittals is heard in the Supreme Court. "We remain grateful for the Pakistani government's actions to appeal such rulings to ensure that (Sheikh) and his co-defendants are held accountable. If, however, those efforts do not succeed, the United States stands ready to take custody of Omar Sheikh to stand trial here. We cannot allow him to evade justice for his role in Daniel Pearl’s abduction and murder," acting attorney general Jeffrey Rosen said in a statement. Sheikh, a British-born jihadist who once studied at the London School of Economics and had been involved in previous kidnappings of foreigners, was arrested days after Pearl's abduction and later sentenced to death by hanging. In January 2011, a report released by the Pearl Project at Georgetown University following an investigation into his death made chilling revelations, and said that the wrong men had been convicted for Pearl's murder. The investigation, led by Pearl's friend and former Wall Street Journal colleague Asra Nomani and a Georgetown University professor, claimed the reporter was murdered by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the September 11, 2001 attacks, not Sheikh. Pearl was South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal when he was abducted in Karachi in January 2002 while researching a story about Islamist militants. A graphic video showing his decapitation was delivered to the US consulate nearly a month later. (with inputs from AFP)

US is 'ready' to try mastermind behind Daniel Pearl murder

A Pakistani court on Thursday ordered the immediate release of four men accused of orchestrating the 2002 kidnapping and murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl, including the main suspect earlier sentenced to death for masterminding the killing. The Sindh government in a surprise move has now decided not to release killers. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan's Sindh government not to release four accused in Daniel Pearl’s murder case

Daniel Pearl was kidnapped & beheaded by Pakistani terrorists in 2002. 18 years on, a Pakistani court has ordered the 'immediate release' of his killers.

Gravitas: Pak court orders release of Daniel Pearl's killers

Daniel Pearl's killers are set to walk free on Saturday. The Pearl family has appealed to Pakistan's Supreme Court to provide justice for 'their beloved son'. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why the world must oppose their release.

Daniel Pearl's killers to walk free

A Pakistani court on Thursday ordered the immediate release of four men accused of orchestrating the 2002 kidnapping and murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl, including the main suspect earlier sentenced to death for masterminding the killing.

Pakistan government delays the release of men accused of murdering Daniel Pearl

The Sindh High Court on Thursday has directed to release terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib in connection with the abduction and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl.

According to Daily Pakistan, the Sindh High Court also ordered putting the names of accused Ahmed Omer Saeed Shaikh and others in the exit control list (ECL).

The accused have been in jail for the last 18 years and ordered the accused to appear as and when the court summons them."Earlier Assistant Attorney General informed the court that the government have the authority to keep an accused in detention. The provincial home department held the accused under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) on September 28," Daily Pakistan reported.

In April this year, the appeals were heard after 18 years and acquitted Sheikh, Saqib and Nasim. Omar Saeed Sheikh is&nbsp;one of the three terrorists were freed by India during the hijacking of airliner IC814 in 1999 in exchange for the passengers.

After the appeals were heard, Sheikh`s death sentence was commuted to seven years and fined him Rs2 million. Sheikh has already spent 18 years in prison on death row, and his seven-year sentence for kidnapping was counted as time served.

The Pakistani media outlet reported that the men were detained under Section 11 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

In 2002, Pearl, the 38-year-old journalist of The Wall Street Journal`s South Asia bureau, was abducted and beheaded while he was in Pakistan investigating a story of terror groups` links to Al Qaeda.

The US House Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has expressed its "deep concerns" over Pakistan court`s decision in April to overturn the conviction of Omar Saeed Sheikh for the abduction and killing of Wall Street Journal journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002.

The Sindh High Court on Thursday has directed to release terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib in connection with the abduction and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl.

The Sindh High Court on Thursday has directed to release terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib in connection with the abduction and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl. According to Daily Pakistan, the Sindh High Court also ordered putting the names of accused Ahmed Omer Saeed Shaikh and others in the exit control list (ECL). The accused have been in jail for the last 18 years and ordered the accused to appear as and when the court summons them."Earlier Assistant Attorney General informed the court that the government have the authority to keep an accused in detention. The provincial home department held the accused under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) on September 28," Daily Pakistan reported. In April this year, the appeals were heard after 18 years and acquitted Sheikh, Saqib and Nasim. Omar Saeed Sheikh is one of the three terrorists were freed by India during the hijacking of airliner IC814 in 1999 in exchange for the passengers. After the appeals were heard, Sheikh`s death sentence was commuted to seven years and fined him Rs2 million. Sheikh has already spent 18 years in prison on death row, and his seven-year sentence for kidnapping was counted as time served. The Pakistani media outlet reported that the men were detained under Section 11 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. In 2002, Pearl, the 38-year-old journalist of The Wall Street Journal`s South Asia bureau, was abducted and beheaded while he was in Pakistan investigating a story of terror groups` links to Al Qaeda. The US House Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has expressed its "deep concerns" over Pakistan court`s decision in April to overturn the conviction of Omar Saeed Sheikh for the abduction and killing of Wall Street Journal journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002.

Pak court orders release of terrorist Omar Sheikh linked in Daniel Pearl case

Supreme Court of Pakistan has allowed Daniel Pearl's parents to become party to case. Supreme Court suspended Sindh High Court's verdict. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: All accused to stay in custody in Daniel Pearl case

The Supreme Court in Pakistan has accepted an appeal by the family of slain American journalist Daniel Pearl seeking to keep the accused on death row over the beheading of the reporter.

Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, a British-born Pakistani man, has been accused of killing the Wall Street Journal reporter. He has&nbsp;been on death row since his conviction in 2002.

The court delayed until next week hearing the appeal over the lower-court acquittal of Sheikh.

Sheikh had reportedly helped lure Pearl to a meeting in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi in which he was kidnapped.&nbsp;

When he was killed, Pearl had been investigating the link between Pakistani militants and Richard C Reid, also known as the “Shoe Bomber”.

The lower court’s April ruling acquitted Sheikh and three other accomplices, who had been sentenced to life in jail for their role in the plot.&nbsp;

This despite the fact that a letter written by Sheikh on July 19, 2019 had acknowledged his involvement in Pearl’s killing.

Pearl was abducted January 23, 2002. Pakistani police sought to locate Pearl for weeks until a video received by US diplomats showed his beheading.

The Supreme Court in Pakistan has accepted an appeal by the family of slain American journalist Daniel Pearl seeking to keep the accused on death row over the beheading of the reporter.

The Supreme Court in Pakistan has accepted an appeal by the family of slain American journalist Daniel Pearl seeking to keep the accused on death row over the beheading of the reporter. Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, a British-born Pakistani man, has been accused of killing the Wall Street Journal reporter. He has been on death row since his conviction in 2002. The court delayed until next week hearing the appeal over the lower-court acquittal of Sheikh. Sheikh had reportedly helped lure Pearl to a meeting in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi in which he was kidnapped. When he was killed, Pearl had been investigating the link between Pakistani militants and Richard C Reid, also known as the “Shoe Bomber”. The lower court’s April ruling acquitted Sheikh and three other accomplices, who had been sentenced to life in jail for their role in the plot. This despite the fact that a letter written by Sheikh on July 19, 2019 had acknowledged his involvement in Pearl’s killing. Pearl was abducted January 23, 2002. Pakistani police sought to locate Pearl for weeks until a video received by US diplomats showed his beheading.

Pakistan's top court accepts appeal by Daniel Pearl’s family

Pakistan SC allows Daniel Pearl's parents to become party to case

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