The decision is a blow to Washington, which insists that the man, Raymond Allen Davis, is considered a diplomat and cannot be prosecuted. But the immunity issue is also being considered by the Lahore High Court, which can reverse the trial court’s decision Thursday.

Asad Manzoor Butt, a lawyer representing victims in the case, says Davis was not charged during Thursday’s hearing.

The next trial court hearing is set for March 8.

The case has damaged US -Pakistan relations at a critical point in the Afghan war.