ISLAMABAD: Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) held a protest calling for the release of Pakistan neurosurgeon Dr Aafia Siddiqui imprisoned in the United States.
The protests said Dr Aafia was innocent and was serving a lengthy jail term abroad. PDP leader Mustansar Gilani said that successive government promised for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, while the PTI government has failed to honour the promise to make efforts for her repatriation.
“Before the election, Imran Khan went to Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s house and promised her mother that he would release her when he comes to power,” he said, adding the promise stands unfulfilled and no effort has been made.
He blamed former President Pervez Musharraf for handing over and innocent Pakistani women to US authorities. He said Dr Aafia Siddiqui had a six-month-old child when she was arrested who has never been found.
“Can an innocent woman attack a US marine. We need to awake the ruler from their slumber. That’s why we are protesting so that their conscience may be awakened,” he said while coming down hard on the government.
He said the government has not communicated with US authorities for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, while US citizen Raymond David killed two Pakistani citizens and managed to leave the country.
The PDP leader said Dr Aafia Siddiqui is innocent and is currently serving 86 year jail term in the United States. He said they will continue to raise their voice for her release.