Karachi: The Sindh Assembly recently passed a unanimous resolution demanding the release and repatriation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, with Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, her sister, welcoming the move but expressing surprise and concern over the lack of comment from Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the political heir of the Bhutto family.
According to Aafia Movement, the resolution was introduced by Jamaat-e-Islami member Muhammad Farooq, who highlighted the historical support Pakistan has provided to the United States, including facilitating the safe withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. The resolution calls for a follow-up on the Pakistani government’s letter to the U.S. President seeking Aafia’s release, emphasizing that Dr. Aafia was deprived of her legal right to defend herself in an American court. Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui echoed these sentiments, noting the need for effective follow-up and criticizing the silence of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the issue. She speculated that if Benazir Bhutto were alive, the situation regarding Aafia’s prolonged imprisonment would have been different.
The resolution received broad support across party lines, with acknowledgments from not only Jamaat-e-Islami but also the Pakistan People’s Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, and independent members. Dr. Fauzia emphasized the symbolic importance of the assembly’s unanimous stance, which she believes reflects the sentiments of the nation. She urged all parties and citizens to support the government in its efforts to secure Aafia’s release and return to her homeland.