The Government of Pakistan has written a letter to the US President, seeking clemency for Dr Aafia Siddiqui, currently imprisoned in the United States, to secure her release and return to Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally addressed the letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, requesting a pardon for Dr Siddiqui.
This development was revealed by Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal during a hearing at the Islamabad High Court.
The case, concerning Dr Aafia’s release, was heard by Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan. Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s sister, Dr Fouzia Siddiqui, had earlier filed a petition in the court for her sister’s return.
Advocate Imran Shafiq represented Dr. Fouzia in court and described the government’s move as a significant step towards securing Dr Aafia’s release.
Imran Shafiq, speaking to the media, said, “After two years of continuous efforts, we have made substantial progress. The Prime Minister has formally requested the US President to release Dr Aafia. This was one of our primary demands, and the government has acted on it.”
He also shared that the Attorney General had informed the court about the letter. The Islamabad High Court had previously directed the government to provide full support in the matter. Furthermore, the court had advised the government to send a high-level delegation to the US to push for Dr Aafia’s release.
This recent move by the government has been welcomed by the legal team and Dr Aafia’s family, who remain hopeful for a positive outcome.
