Pakistani Delegation Visits Dr Aafia Siddiqui in Texas Prison
Senator Bushra hopes that Washington will make a decision regarding Dr Aafia Siddiqui's release before January 20.
A Pakistani delegation visited Dr Aafia Siddiqui in her high-security prison in Texas marking a significant diplomatic effort by Pakistan.
The visit was conducted under the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as part of ongoing efforts to advocate for her release on humanitarian grounds.
This delegation, which included members of parliament and a psychiatrist, spent nearly three hours with Dr Siddiqui, during which she discussed the challenges she faces while incarcerated and expressed hope for justice.
The delegation includes Senators Bushra Anjum, Talha Mahmood, and psychiatrist Dr. Iqbal Afridi.
In addition to meeting Dr. Siddiqui, the delegation engaged in discussions with key U.S. officials, including Congress members and State Department representatives. They urged these officials to take action regarding her situation, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to securing her release and addressing her plight.
“Talks with US authorities for the release of Aafia [Siddiqui] were positive [….] It is hoped that the US government will decide on the release of Dr Aafia before January 20 [Inauguration Day for President-elect Donald Trump,” said Senator Bushra.
Meanwhile, discussing his meeting with the Pakistani scientist, Dr. Afridi emphasized that she has been separated from her children for two decades and has already spent 16 years behind bars.
Highlighting the issue as a humanitarian concern, he expressed optimism that the US government would soon take steps to provide relief.
“Our objective is to address this matter through a human rights perspective, and we remain hopeful that the US government will reach a decision in the near future,” the psychiatrist stated.
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist, has been imprisoned in the United States since 2010 after being convicted on charges related to the attempted murder of U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. Her case has drawn considerable attention in Pakistan, where there have been repeated calls for her release. The Pakistani government has urged the United States to reconsider her case, emphasizing humanitarian concerns associated with her imprisonment.
In October, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote to President Joe Biden, appealing for his intervention in a matter he described as one deserving of compassion.
“Now 52 years old, she has spent nearly sixteen years behind bars in the US,” PM Shehbaz stated in the letter, which was also shared with members of the US Congress, Senators, and State Department officials.
The prime minister highlighted that several Pakistani officials have visited the imprisoned Pakistani scientist over the years and have expressed “serious concerns about the treatment she has endured.”
This treatment, he noted, has significantly deteriorated her “already fragile mental and physical health.”
“There are even fears among officials that she might harm herself,” the premier added in his appeal.
Urging President Biden to consider the case on humanitarian grounds, he wrote, “In light of these facts, I humbly request you, Mr. President, to exercise your constitutional authority and approve Dr. [Aafia] Siddiqui’s clemency petition, allowing her release on compassionate grounds.”
