WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Sen. Rand Paul announced he will introduce new legislation to address the issue of Pakistan's imprisonment of Shakil Afridi for "treason" against Pakistan. Dr. Afridi provided key intelligence to the United States leading to the death of Osama bin Laden. Dr. Afridi risked his own life to help the U.S. military find and kill its most-wanted terrorist.

Sen. Paul's bills will have two purposes. The first bill will strip Pakistan of all foreign aid until Dr. Afridi's recent 33-year prison sentence is overturned and he is allowed to leave Pakistan. The second bill would grant him U.S. citizenship for his efforts.

"Pakistan must understand that they are choosing the wrong side. They accuse Dr. Afridi of working against Pakistan, but he was simply helping the U.S. capture the head of al Qaida. Surely Pakistan is not linking their interests with those of an international terrorist organization," Sen. Paul said.

"Foreign aid has been an abysmal failure precisely for this reason - we give the aid to governments who then turn and work against our national interest. That must end," he continued.

Sen. Paul's bills will be introduced as stand-alone legislation when the Senate returns next week, and he has announced his intention to secure votes as soon as possible on this important issue.

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