Advisor to Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan on Monday, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to bring back Dr Aafia Siddiqui
As per details, Advisor to PM Babar Awan met with Dr Fauzia Siddiqui – sister of Dr Aafia Siddiqui in federal capital on Monday (today).
During the meeting, Babar Awan reiterated government’s commitment and continued efforts to bring back Dr Aafia Siddiqui who is currently imprisoned in United States.
Furthermore, PM’s aide apprised Dr Fauzia Siddiqui of the progress made in her sister’s case so far.
Awan noted that the PTI government has prioritized the repatriation of Pakistanis imprisoned in various countries across the world.
He also underscored the fact that 5,000 Pakistani prisoners have been brought back to Pakistan due to PM Imran Khan’s personal interest and efforts regarding the issue.
Prior to this, Babar Awan while briefing Senate on October 31st revealed that Dr Aafia Siddiqui had in-fact signed a clemency petition seeking relief in her sentence from US President.
Who is Dr Aafia Siddiqui?
Dr Aafia Siddiqui is a Pakistani neuroscientist with degrees from MIT and Brandeis University, who was convicted of multiple felonies and is serving an 86-year sentence at the Federal Medical Center, Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas.
Khalid Sheikh Muhammad – one of the key individuals behind 9/11 attacks, allegedly named her a courier and financier for Al-Qaeda, and she was placed on the FBI Seeking Information – Terrorism list.
She was arrested in Ghazni, Afghanistan and was questioned by FBI. During interrogation, she shot at visiting U.S. FBI and Army personnel and was injured in the retaliatory fire by security personnel.
After being treated for her injuries, followed by her extradition to US where in September 2008 she was indicted on charges of assault and attempted murder of a US soldier in the police station in Ghazni—charges she denied. She was convicted on 3 February 2010 and later sentenced to 86 years in prison.
Pakistan on multiple occasions, has repeatedly called for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui terming her sentence ‘unfair’ and ‘unjust’.
