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.
Hyderabad, The murder case of Tania Khaskheli, which has garnered widespread attention, is set to have its regular hearing commence in a week, as decided by a two-member bench of the Sindh High Court in Hyderabad. The bench, comprising Justice Amjad Sahtu and Justice Shams Deen Abbasi, scheduled the formal hearing following arguments presented by Advocate Ghulam Farooq Abbasi and Advocate Farida Abbasi on behalf of the Pasban Democratic Party.
According to Pasban Democratic Party, the announcement came during today’s court session, which was attended by Pasban Hyderabad President Arshad Arain, leader Naveed Arain, and other members. Speaking to the media, Senior Advocate High Court Ghulam Farooq Abbasi expressed optimism for justice on behalf of Tania Khaskheli’s family.
The case revolves around the tragic murder of Tania Khaskheli in Jhangara, Jamshoro, after she refused a forced marriage proposal. Despite the Jamshoro court’s previous decision to acquit the main accused, Khanu Nohani, with life imprisonment, and acquit another suspect, Ali, the Khaskheli family has continued to seek justice. Dua Khaskheli, Tania’s younger sister, and her father, Advocate Qazi Farooq, have filed a constitutional petition in the Hyderabad High Court challenging the acquittal.
The upcoming formal hearing in the Hyderabad High Court represents a critical juncture in the pursuit of justice for Tania Khaskheli and her family. The case has highlighted the pressing issue of forced marriages and the need for a robust legal response to protect women’s rights and safety.