Pakistan to Send Delegation to U.S. for Aafia Siddiqui Case Review

Posted on October 25, 2024 by News Desk

Pakistan to Send Delegation to U.S. for Aafia Siddiqui Case Review

Pakistan’s Continued Efforts for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s Repatriation: Government Delegation to Visit the US

In a significant development, the Government of Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to securing the repatriation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. During a recent hearing in the Islamabad High Court, it was disclosed that a government delegation, consisting of parliamentarians, senators, current and retired military officials, and medical professionals, will travel to the United States to pursue Dr. Siddiqui’s case. The delegation will be accompanied by Fauzia Siddiqui, Dr. Siddiqui’s sister, who has long advocated for her release and safe return.

The Foreign Ministry, represented in court, shared updates regarding efforts to initiate a Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA) with the United States, aiming to facilitate Dr. Siddiqui’s return to Pakistan. The proposed PTA could pave the way for Pakistani nationals serving sentences in the US to complete their sentences within Pakistan’s jurisdiction. Fauzia Siddiqui’s lawyer, Imran Shafiq, along with court assistant Zainab Janjua, was present during the hearing. Janjua emphasized that Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui and her family have expressed urgent concerns over Dr. Siddiqui’s deteriorating health and have requested a medical examination. She further highlighted that the family has requested Pakistani doctors be granted access to monitor her medical condition firsthand.

In response to these requests, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan engaged with the representatives of the Foreign Ministry, pressing them for details on the PTA’s progress and a timeline for further updates. The government’s representative indicated that the ministry anticipates a response soon. In the meantime, the Prime Minister has authorized sending the delegation, marking an important step in diplomatic efforts to advocate for Dr. Siddiqui.

This delegation visit follows a personal appeal made by former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to US President Joe Biden. In a heartfelt letter, Sharif called upon President Biden to consider Dr. Siddiqui’s release on humanitarian grounds. Highlighting the strain on her mental and physical well-being, the Prime Minister expressed concerns over her declining health and the distress it causes to her family and to millions of Pakistanis. Sharif acknowledged the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and the US, expressing hope that Biden would exercise his presidential authority to grant clemency and release Dr. Siddiqui.

The plea from Shehbaz Sharif underlined the compassionate nature of the request. He reminded the US President of the commitment he has shown toward protecting citizens’ rights, especially those detained or stranded abroad, and hoped that Dr. Siddiqui’s situation would receive the same consideration.

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist, has been incarcerated in the Federal Medical Center Carswell in the US since her sentencing in 2010. Serving an 86-year sentence, her case has become a point of profound concern in Pakistan, where questions about her health and well-being are frequently raised by both the public and government representatives.

As Pakistani officials continue to push for her return, millions of Pakistanis await a favorable response from the US, hoping for a resolution grounded in compassion and humanitarianism. The Islamabad High Court has adjourned the hearing until next week, during which additional updates are anticipated regarding the diplomatic outreach and progress on the PTA.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *