Karachi, Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), has urged the Pakistani government to demonstrate a greater sense of nationalism and courage in dealing with the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani scientist imprisoned in the US. He contrasted Pakistan’s approach with India’s response in the case of its citizen, Devyani Khobragade.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Shakoor drew parallels between the cases of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui and Devyani Khobragade, an Indian diplomat arrested in the US in 2013. He highlighted the Indian government’s swift and assertive response that led to Khobragade’s release on a USD 250,000 bond, emphasizing the unity and national honor demonstrated by the Indian people and government.

In contrast, Shakoor criticized the Pakistani government’s approach to Dr. Siddiqui’s case, who has been in a US jail for 20 years. He accused the government of cowardice and the Pakistani people of failing to provide adequate support. Shakoor pointed out that the Pakistani governments over the last two decades, both political and military, have been reluctant to pursue Dr. Siddiqui’s case to avoid upsetting the United States.

He further criticized Pakistani political parties for using Dr. Siddiqui’s name as an election slogan without following through on their promises to seek her release. Shakoor called on the government and institutions of Pakistan to abandon their indifference and confront the US government with boldness regarding Dr. Siddiqui’s case. He argued that while Dr. Siddiqui’s case is stronger than that of Khobragade, the Pakistani government’s response has been comparatively weaker.

With general elections approaching, Shakoor cautioned against Pakistani politicians exploiting Dr. Siddiqui’s case for political gain. He urged voters to reject political parties that have betrayed her cause. His statement reflects concerns about Pakistan’s independence in international affairs and calls for a more assertive stance in protecting the rights of its citizens abroad.