Karachi, The Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) has declared the return of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani citizen imprisoned in the United States, as a primary objective and a key part of its election manifesto. The party asserts that the ordeal of Dr. Siddiqui has exposed the true nature of politicians and has become a measure of their commitment to the nation’s welfare.
According to Pasban Democratic Party, Aziz Fatima, President of the PDP Women’s Department and candidate for the provincial assembly from constituency PS 129, emphasized the significance of Dr. Siddiqui’s return during her election campaign. Fatima criticized the inability of successive governments and assembly members since 2003 to secure Dr. Siddiqui’s release, suggesting that such failure questions the purpose of having assemblies if they cannot protect Pakistani citizens.
The PDP calls on all political parties to include Dr. Siddiqui’s release in their manifestos, highlighting her situation as a test for the nation’s rulers, politicians, and citizens alike. The party is committed to providing basic amenities to the populace, establishing a just legal system, ensuring Dr. Siddiqui’s honorable return, and advocating for Karachi to be given the constitutional status of a mega city.
Aziz Fatima condemned the severe sentence of eighty-six years given to Dr. Siddiqui, labeling any government that has failed to address her situation as complicit in denying justice to one of its citizens. She accused current and past leaders of neglecting Dr. Siddiqui’s plight for their political gain and stated that the nation would not forgive this oversight.
The PDP urges Pakistani citizens to initiate a movement for Dr. Siddiqui’s return and to reject politicians who have remained indifferent to her cause. The party believes that the leader who succeeds in bringing Dr. Siddiqui back will be celebrated as a national hero.
Furthermore, the Pasban Democratic Party appeals to political and social organizations, human rights groups, and the Pakistani public to unite for Dr. Siddiqui’s immediate and safe repatriation. This unified effort is seen as crucial for demonstrating national solidarity and the collective demand for justice for Dr. Siddiqui.