Karachi: On September 23, marking the anniversary of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s sentencing to an 86-year jail term by a US court, the Aafia Movement organized peaceful demonstrations across Pakistan. These protests, aimed at decrying what they term the “murder of justice,” saw participation from numerous cities including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and others.

According to Aafia Movement, during the demonstrations, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, chairperson of the Global Aafia Movement, called on the Pakistani government to intensify efforts to secure Dr. Siddiqui’s early release. She highlighted the long-standing plight of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who has been detained in a US prison for over two decades under conditions described as illegal and unjust.

Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui detailed the ongoing legal battles undertaken by Aafia’s legal team, including litigation against the alleged atrocities of the prison in Texas, and efforts to contest her trial and sentencing, which they claim denied her the right to defend herself. The demonstrations come as part of a broader push to mobilize both national and international support for Aafia Siddiqui’s release, including proposed actions such as engaging with US President Biden, the UN, and other international forums during the upcoming high-level meetings involving Pakistani officials.

The movement demands that the Pakistani government adopt a more proactive and passionate stance in advocating for Dr. Siddiqui, akin to how other nations fight for their citizens’ rights internationally. The protests reflect a profound national concern over the treatment of Aafia Siddiqui and a call to the government to fulfill its duty to protect its citizens’ rights abroad.