Karachi, The Aafia Movement has called for the Pakistani government and civil society to unite and bring about positive change in the country, emphasizing the need for collective action to address social and political challenges. A meeting titled “Role of Civil Society in the Struggle for Political and Economic System Change,” organized by the National Council Consultation at the Pano Rama Center 1 in Sadar, saw various personalities from different walks of life share their insights and suggestions.

According to Aafia Movement, the spokesperson stressed that ordinary Pakistani citizens feel devalued by the government, creating a division between those deprived of basic human rights and the privileged elite class. The privileged class, known as the elite, is said to have rendered the rest of society as spectators, leading to growing indifference towards national issues. The spokesperson attributed this divide to economic disparities, stating that people are too focused on making a living, which undermines the connection between the state and its citizens.

The spokesperson suggested that the Pakistani government should value ordinary citizens like the United States and European countries do. Referring to the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned in the United States for over 21 years, the spokesperson highlighted the need for concerted efforts to secure her release. Clive Stafford-Smith, a British-American lawyer and human rights advocate, is seeking support from the Pakistani government and civil society for Dr. Aafia’s release, stating that 2024 could be the year of her return to Pakistan.

The Aafia Movement believes that if the government, state institutions, and civil society collaborate, they can create positive change and work towards achieving justice for individuals like Dr. Aafia, whose case has drawn significant attention internationally. The meeting served as a platform for discussion on how civil society can play a pivotal role in influencing political and economic reforms in Pakistan.