By our correspondent
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the federal government to secure the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui from U.S. detention. The resolution, introduced by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) member Muhammad Farooq, calls on federal authorities to advocate for Dr. Siddiqui’s return to Pakistan. Sindh’s Education Minister, Sardar Ali Shah, confirmed that the federal government has formed a committee to pursue her repatriation.
This move aligns with recent developments in the Islamabad High Court, where it was disclosed that a government delegation will soon travel to the U.S. to address Dr. Siddiqui’s case. This delegation will include former and current parliamentarians, senators, military personnel, medical professionals, and her sister, Fauzia Siddiqui. During the court hearing, representatives from the Foreign Ministry also indicated that a Prisoner Transfer Agreement proposal has been shared with U.S. authorities. Fauzia Siddiqui’s lawyer, Imran Shafiq, and court assistant, Zainab Janjua, emphasized the need for a medical examination for Dr. Siddiqui and raised concerns about her deteriorating health.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has personally reached out to U.S. President Joe Biden, requesting clemency for Dr. Siddiqui on humanitarian grounds. In his letter, the prime minister highlighted her 86-year prison sentence and stressed concerns about her physical and mental health, noting the distress felt by her family and millions of Pakistanis. He appealed to President Biden to consider her release as a compassionate act, underscoring the importance of this appeal as part of his duty to protect the wellbeing of Pakistani citizens abroad. Dr. Siddiqui, who has been incarcerated at FMC Carswell since 2010, has prompted ongoing appeals from Pakistani officials for her release. The case remains active, with another court hearing scheduled for next week.
