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

Sen. Paul's bills have two purposes: The first bill strips Pakistan of all U.S. 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.

In a statement last week, Sen. Paul explained the impetus for introducing this legislation, saying: "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. 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."

On Friday, Sen. Paul sent a letter to President Obama urging a delay in the release of foreign military financing to the government of Pakistan, and to hold all aid until Dr. Afridi, the informant who assisted intelligence services in identifying the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden, is released.

Bill To End U.S. Foreign Aid to Pakistan Bill Granting U.S. Citizenship To Dr. Shakil Afridi

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