The Islamabad High Court has been informed by the Additional Attorney General that the government plans to send a delegation to the United States regarding the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. This delegation will comprise former and current parliamentarians, senators, military officials (both retired and active), doctors, and Dr. Siddiqui’s sister, Fauzia Siddiqui.
During the court proceedings, a representative from the Foreign Ministry indicated that a proposal for a Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA) has been shared with the US. The hearing, which included Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, the Additional Attorney General, a Foreign Ministry representative, Fauzia Siddiqui’s lawyer Imran Shafiq, and court assistant Zainab Janjua, discussed various aspects of the case.
Zainab Janjua mentioned that Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui had requested a medical check-up for her sister. The government lawyer confirmed that the Prime Minister has approved sending the delegation to the US. Justice Khan inquired about the Foreign Ministry’s role and when a response regarding the PTA could be expected. The ministry representative suggested that a response might be forthcoming soon, while Janjua reiterated the family’s request for Pakistani doctors to be sent to examine Dr. Aafia.
Read More: PM Shehbaz Urges US President for Dr Aafia’s Release
The court adjourned the hearing until next week.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif had reached out to US President Joe Biden, urging him to release Dr. Aafia Siddiqui on humanitarian grounds. In his letter, PM Sharif pointed out that Dr. Siddiqui had been sentenced to 86 years in prison by a US District Court and called on Biden to use his constitutional authority to grant her a pardon.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Dr. Aafia’s family, along with millions of Pakistanis, are awaiting an act of kindness from the US. He expressed serious concerns regarding her deteriorating mental and physical health, noting fears for her wellbeing, including the possibility of self-harm.
In his letter, PM Sharif appealed to Biden to understand the dire circumstances surrounding Dr. Siddiqui’s situation. He reminded the President of his own commitment to advocating for the rights of citizens, especially those in distressing circumstances abroad.
The Prime Minister concluded his appeal by highlighting the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and the US, urging Biden to exercise his authority to grant Dr. Siddiqui’s clemency petition and facilitate her release on humanitarian grounds.
