Karachi: The Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) staged a demonstration in front of the Karachi Press Club on Sunday, calling for the urgent release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who is serving an 86-year sentence in the United States.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, the protest was led by PDP Chairman Altaf Shakoor, who described September 23, 2010—the day Dr Siddiqui was sentenced—as a “black day in the history of human rights.” Shakoor criticized the role of Pakistan’s governments in handling Siddiqui’s case, accusing them of betrayal and inaction. He highlighted the contrast between Pakistan and other countries that actively work to repatriate incarcerated citizens.

Shakoor appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address Siddiqui’s imprisonment with the U.S. government during his forthcoming visit to the United States. He also called on global citizens to support the cause for Siddiqui’s release, citing severe mistreatment in detention. The event also featured speeches from Abdul Hakim Quaid and Tariq Chandiwala, who echoed Shakoor’s sentiments.