A Pakistani delegation headed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was diplomatically embarrassed in Washington when US Congressman Brad Sherman brought up the 2002 murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl. Sherman firmly called upon the Pakistani officials to act decisively against the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which had kidnapped and killed Pearl.
“Eliminate this despicable group,” says Sherman
After the meeting, Sherman tweeted on X: “I reminded the Pakistani delegation of the need to fight terrorism, and specifically the organization Jaish-e-Mohammed, who killed my constituent Daniel Pearl in 2002.”
He went on to say, “Pakistan must do everything it can to eradicate this odious organization and fight terrorism in the area.” He also reminded that Daniel Pearl’s family continues to live in his congressional district.
Daniel Pearl’s horrifying murder
Daniel Pearl, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was kidnapped and ruthlessly killed in Pakistan. British-born terrorist Omar Saeed Sheikh was found guilty of murdering Pearl, whose death had caused international condemnation and emphasized Pakistan’s battle against terror.
Sherman’s appeal resonates with traditional US concerns
Sherman’s comments further indicate ongoing US unease about the way Pakistan has handled groups like the JeM operating in its territory. Moreover, his public clash with the Pakistani leadership highlights the mounting pressure on Islamabad to contain terror groups like JeM, which have long been associated with regional instability.
