The Additional Attorney General informed the Islamabad High Court that the government plans to send a delegation to the United States to discuss Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case. The delegation will include a mix of former and current parliamentarians, senators, military officials (active and retired), medical professionals, and Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s sister, Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui.
Foreign Ministry Proposes Prisoner Transfer Agreement
A Foreign Ministry representative shared with the court that a proposal for a Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA) has been presented to the US government. This proposal was discussed during a hearing on Fauzia Siddiqui’s petition regarding the repatriation and welfare of her sister, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. Present in the hearing were Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, the Additional Attorney General, the Foreign Ministry representative, Fauzia Siddiqui’s lawyer Imran Shafiq, and court assistant Zainab Janjua.
Medical Check-Up and Delegation Approval
Zainab Janjua stated that Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui has also requested a comprehensive medical examination for Aafia Siddiqui, emphasizing the family’s desire to send medical personnel from Pakistan. The government’s lawyer confirmed that the Prime Minister has approved dispatching the delegation to the US. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq inquired about the Foreign Ministry’s steps and timeline for a PTA response, to which the representative indicated a reply may be forthcoming soon.
The court has postponed further proceedings until the following week.
PM Shehbaz Sharif Appeals to President Biden for Clemency on Humanitarian Grounds
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appealed to US President Joe Biden to release Dr. Aafia Siddiqui on humanitarian grounds. In his letter, the Prime Minister highlighted that Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is serving an 86-year sentence, imposed by a US District Court, and is incarcerated at FMC Carswell since September 2010.
The Prime Minister urged President Biden to exercise his authority for clemency, noting that concerns over Dr. Siddiqui’s mental and physical health have been raised repeatedly. Pakistani officials, who have held consular meetings with Dr. Siddiqui, have reported significant concerns about her health, fearing she may consider self-harm due to her deteriorating condition.
An Act of Compassion for Pakistanis Awaiting Justice
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized his duty as Pakistan’s head of state to advocate for the welfare of its citizens, appealing to Biden as a leader who has long championed the rights of Americans abroad. He urged Biden to show compassion, stating, “You would fully understand that as prime minister, it is my solemn duty to intervene to ensure a citizen’s wellbeing, especially in circumstances as critical as these.”
In closing, the Prime Minister wrote, “I request you, Mr. President, to kindly exercise your constitutional authority and accept Dr. Siddiqui’s clemency petition for her release on humanitarian grounds.”
