Karachi: On the eve of President Joe Biden’s final day in office, a significant gathering took place in Karachi, where citizens implored the U.S. president to grant clemency to Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. The demonstration, organized by Friends of Aafia, saw participants assemble outside the Karachi Press Club to voice their appeal for Siddiqui’s release on humanitarian grounds.
According to a statement by Aafia Movement, more than 1.64 million individuals have already endorsed the mercy petition for Dr. Siddiqui. The participants urged Biden to consider the petition and order her release as a gesture of goodwill.
Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party, addressed the demonstrators, highlighting the global demand for Dr. Siddiqui’s release. He expressed disappointment in the Pakistani government’s role in the case, noting that citizens worldwide have been advocating for her freedom for two decades.
Sardar Zulfiqar, representing Friends of Aafia, emphasized that releasing Dr. Siddiqui could enhance the United States’ image in the Muslim world, including Pakistan. The sentiment was echoed by S K Marwat, who described Dr. Siddiqui as an innocent woman enduring severe hardships.
Eng. Junaid Ahmed reaffirmed the group’s commitment to continuing their peaceful campaign until Dr. Siddiqui is free. The demonstration was attended by several other activists, including Saad Humayon, Akram Agariya, and Almas Bibi.