Islamabad, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, leader of the Aafia Movement, has expressed grave concern over the Pakistani government’s inaction in utilizing available legal and political avenues for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui from a U.S. prison. Speaking at an Aafia Siddiqui Conference organized by Team Aafia Pakistan, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui emphasized the urgent need for the government to take effective steps in this matter.
According to Aafia Movement, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui criticized the government for not respecting its daughters and suggested that this attitude is contributing to Pakistan’s problems. She highlighted the shock of Aafia’s lawyer, Clive Smith, upon learning about the alleged torture and sexual abuse Aafia has faced. Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui questioned the silence of the Pakistani youth over these atrocities.
Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan from Jamaat-e-Islami’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter described Aafia as the most oppressed woman of this century, affirming her innocence in matters of terrorism or money laundering. He acknowledged some developments in her case, attributed to the Islamabad High Court’s role.
Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed from the Jamaat-e-Islami Azad Kashmir chapter emphasized that Aafia’s illegal detention is a significant test for both Pakistan and the Ummah, urging all political parties to adopt a unified stance on her issue.
Amina Masood Janjua, chairperson of Defense of Human Rights Pakistan, extended full support to the struggle for Aafia’s release and urged the Pakistani government to consider the options proposed by Dr. Fowzia for securing Aafia’s freedom.
Clive Stafford Smith, Aafia’s lawyer, stated that her release is feasible if the Pakistani government officially addresses the issue with the U.S. administration. He mentioned the torture and abuse Aafia is allegedly enduring in a U.S. prison, which he believes the Pakistani government should also discuss with the U.S. authorities.
Inayat Wadi, leader of the Aafia Foundation South Africa chapter, condemned the Pakistani rulers for their indifference towards Aafia’s plight, labeling her as a victim of the war against terrorism. Mauri Saalakhan of the Aafia Foundation USA chapter stressed the importance of understanding the facts about Aafia Siddiqui for her release and suggested leveraging the international reaction against the Gaza genocide to support her cause.
The conference also featured speeches from Zamran Ahmed of Justice for Aafia Norway, Dr. Hamza Siddiqui of Team Aafia Pakistan, Advocate Imran Shafique, and others, all advocating for Aafia Siddiqui’s release.