Pakistani Delegation Expresses Hope for Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s Release Before January 20
A Pakistani delegation has voiced optimism about the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui from U.S. custody, hoping for her repatriation before January 20, 2025.
According to details, the delegation, led by Senator Bushra Anjum, engaged in positive discussions with U.S. officials during a meeting in Texas. Senator Anjum stated, “We remain hopeful that Dr. Aafia Siddiqui will receive justice soon.”
The delegation also made appeals to the U.S. Congress and the State Department for her release and visited Dr. Siddiqui in prison, spending three hours with her. “Despite the challenges in prison, Dr. Aafia still believes in the possibility of justice,” Senator Anjum added.
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The visit was conducted under the directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been actively pursuing efforts to address the ongoing issues related to Dr. Siddiqui’s imprisonment.
Government’s Efforts for Repatriation
Earlier in October, the Government of Pakistan formally requested a presidential pardon for Dr. Siddiqui. A report presented in the Islamabad High Court revealed that PM Shehbaz had written a letter to the U.S. President, seeking clemency for her.
During a court hearing presided over by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Additional Attorney General Manoor Iqbal Dogal informed the court about the prime minister’s letter. The case was filed by Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, Aafia Siddiqui’s sister, urging the government to intensify efforts for her release.
Advocate Imran Shafiq, representing Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, emphasized the urgency of the matter, expressing hope that the official request would pave the way for Dr. Siddiqui’s safe return to Pakistan.
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui has been serving an 86-year sentence in the United States since 2010, convicted on charges that have been widely contested. The recent developments offer a glimmer of hope for her supporters and family, who have long campaigned for her release.
