US man in custody in Pakistan killings

Jan 28, 2011, 11:39 GMT

Islamabad - A Pakistani magistrate Friday ordered a six-day police custody of a US citizen who is facing murder charges after killing two people in the eastern city of Lahore.

Raymond Davis, who works as technical advisor at the US consulate, was arrested Thursday after he allegedly gunned down two men, claiming self defence in an alleged armed robbery.

According to police Davis said he stopped his car at a traffic signal when he saw two motorbike riders armed with pistols coming toward him.

Sensing danger he pulled his own gun and fired at them.

Courtney Beale, a spokeswoman of the US embassy said that a staff member of the Consulate General in Lahore was involved in an incident that regrettably resulted in the loss of life, adding that the embassy was working with the authorities to determine the facts.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani condemned the deaths.

'Everything should be done according to the law,' he said. 'The police are investigating and the case will be decided according to the law after police completes the report.'

It is feared that the incidents may trigger a backlash against the United Sates which is already struggling to improve its image among Pakistanis.

Several party leaders have expressed anger over the presence of armed US nationals and and demanded through investigations.

Rana Sanaullah, the justice minister of Punjab province, said Davis would not be allowed to leave Pakistan until the investigation is completed.

'I can assure you that he will be dealt according to the law of land and we are under no pressure from any quarter in this regard.'

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