Pakistan envoy in assault wrangle

US authorities have asked Pakistan to waive the diplomatic immunity of their ambassador to the United Nations so investigations can proceed into allegations he assaulted his girlfriend.

New York police say they were called to the residence of Munir Akram early last month by a woman who claimed to have been beaten by him.

A spokesman for the Pakistani mission to the UN said the matter had been blown out of all proportion and no charges had been laid.

The diplomatic wrangle comes at an awkward time for Mr Akram, just as his nation joins the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member.

'Misunderstanding'

The Pakistani foreign ministry has said it will carry out an investigation into the allegations of an assault on the woman, reported to be Mr Akram's girlfriend, during a late-night altercation.

Pakistani officials say the incident is based on a misunderstanding.

A spokesman for Mr Akram said the fact that the woman had not pressed charges meant there was no basis for further action.

But officials from the US State Department are still awaiting a reply from the Pakistani authorities, following a request that Mr Akram's diplomatic immunity be waived.

Only then could there be a proper investigation into the allegations and the possibility of prosecution.