Karachi, The Aafia Movement has issued a fervent appeal to feminists worldwide to address the sexual and physical violence faced by Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani citizen imprisoned at the FMC Carswell prison in Texas, United States. Marking International Women’s Day, the spokesperson for the Aafia Movement, Muhammad Ayub, highlighted the ongoing abuses Dr. Aafia has endured during her incarceration.

According to Aafia Movement, reports of maltreatment have been consistent over the years, with notable incidents including a 2018 meeting between Dr. Aafia and former Pakistani diplomat Ayesha Farooqui, during which Dr. Aafia detailed her experiences of ill-treatment. This account, along with a comprehensive report, was forwarded to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and gained media attention.

In July 2021, another attack left Dr. Aafia with severe injuries, a situation that was observed firsthand by her American lawyer, Marda Al-Biyali. The incident, which resulted in burns and significant harm to Dr. Aafia, was widely covered by the press. Furthermore, Dr. Aafia’s current lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith, has communicated several instances of sexual assault to the Pakistani government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, advocating for her immediate transfer to a more secure facility with the support of the Pakistani government.

The Aafia Movement underscores Dr. Aafia’s innocence and asserts her entitlement to all the rights afforded to women, including her prompt release. The call to action seeks to mobilize feminist groups and activists to rally against the injustices faced by Dr. Aafia, urging the U.S. government to ensure her safety and well-being while in custody.