PM Says Government Helping in Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s Case
ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the government is not ignoring the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani citizen jailed in the United States.
According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, Pakistan has already given diplomatic and legal help for Dr. Aafia. The PM also wrote a letter to then-U.S. President Joe Biden about her case.
A special committee has also been formed to make progress. It is led by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and will stay in contact with Dr. Aafia’s sister, Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui.
Court Warning to Government
The Islamabad High Court has warned the federal government for not submitting a report about the case. Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan said the court may start contempt of court proceedings if the cabinet continues to delay.
The judge asked why the government had not helped Dr. Aafia in the U.S. court as ordered. He said if no report is submitted, the entire federal cabinet, including the Prime Minister, could be summoned.
The judge made it clear that he will not let delays stop justice. He said he will even work on holidays to make sure the court’s dignity is protected.
Who is Dr. Aafia Siddiqui?
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui was born in 1972 in Karachi. She went to the U.S. for education and earned a PhD in neuroscience in 2001.
Her life changed after the 9/11 attacks when she was accused of having links to extremist groups. In 2008, she was arrested in Afghanistan.
She was accused of trying to shoot U.S. soldiers while in custody. Although no one was hurt, she was shot and seriously injured. Later, she was taken to the U.S. and sentenced to prison.
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