The Taliban Monday warned the Pakistan government not to release US national Raymond Davis, arrested after he shot dead two men in Lahore last month, saying any official involved in a move to free him would be killed by militants.

“Any Pakistani government official playing any role in Davis’ release will be killed by the Taliban,” warned Azam Tariq, the spokesman for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan.

“The people of Pakistan should stand up against efforts being made for the release of the American killer. The case of Davis should be decided in accordance with Shariah (Islamic law),” Tariq told India media on phone from an undisclosed location.

The Taliban have also demanded that Davis should be executed by the authorities or handed over to militants who would decide his fate.