ISLAMABAD – Pakistan's foreign ministry says that no "deal" is in the works between Islamabad and Washington for the release of a physician who helped the United States track down Osama bin Laden in 2011.
Thursday's comment by the ministry's spokesman, Mohammad Faisal, came days after Pakistani authorities moved Dr. Shakil Afridi from a prison in the northwestern city of Peshawar to an undisclosed location, triggering speculation about his possible release.
Afridi has languished behind bars since 2012, when a court convicted him and sentenced him to 33 years in prison over ties with militants.
He was never formally convicted of helping CIA find bin Laden, which led to the May 2011 Navy SEALs operation that killed the al-Qaida mastermind.
Washington seeks Afridi's release but Islamabad insists he violated the country's laws.
Antisemitism Exposed
Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world."
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.