Karachi, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, a renowned neurophysician and leader of the Aafia Movement, has made a public appeal to social welfare organizations to support efforts aimed at securing the early release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani citizen currently detained in the United States. This initiative gains momentum as various legal and diplomatic channels are being pursued to address her prolonged incarceration.
According to Aafia Movement, spokesperson Muhammad Ayub disclosed that following the directives of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), communications have been dispatched to the heads of prominent social welfare and human rights organizations nationwide. These letters outline the necessity for collective action and resources to assist Clive Stafford Smith, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s legal representative, in his ongoing legal battles across multiple jurisdictions in the United States.
The court, in a session dated March 1, 2024, underscored the critical need for organizational support to bolster Mr. Stafford Smith’s efforts. The anticipated legal proceedings in the US demand substantial financial backing, highlighting the urgency of rallying support for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s cause. The involvement of entities like Saylani Welfare International, Edhi Foundation, Alamgir Welfare Trust, Al-Khidmat Foundation, Cheepa Welfare Association, JDC Foundation Pakistan, among others, is sought to galvanize the movement for her early release.
This call to action is part of a decades-long campaign led by Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui to advocate for her sister, described as the oppressed daughter of the nation. The year 2024 has been marked as pivotal for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, with intensified efforts from her legal team to secure her release by year’s end. Moreover, the IHC has also directed Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to undertake positive measures to facilitate this process, reinforcing the government’s role in supporting its citizen.
The campaign underscores the ongoing concern and activism within Pakistan and internationally for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, reflecting broader issues of human rights and international legal cooperation.