Dr Fauzia Siddiqui calls on foreign minister

Exchange views about bringing Dr Aafia back to Pakistan

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi met with Dr Fauzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr Aafia Siddiqui in Islamabad on Tuesday, Radio Pakistan reported.

During the meeting, FM Qureshi informed Dr Fauzia about the government's ongoing efforts for Dr Aafia's case.

Met Dr Fauzia Siddiqui today and assured her of my full support. I’ve asked our Counsel General in Houston to seek regular Consular visits and ensure Dr Siddiqui’s well being in line with her legal & human rights. Also discussed possible way forward for Dr. Afia’s repatriation. pic.twitter.com/cuzfA4d9WC

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) November 13, 2018

The foreign minister and Dr Fauzia also exchanged views about bringing Dr Aafia back to Pakistan.



The foreign minister also issued special instructions to Pakistan's Consul General in Houston regarding Dr Afia Siddiqi's matter, and ensure her well being in line with her legal and human rights.

FM Qureshi said on Saturday that Dr Aafia Siddiqui is the daughter of the nation and we wish that she returns to Pakistan, but we will not bargain with the US for her release.

Talking to media in Multan, Qureshi said he wishes Aafia returns to the country.

“We are making diplomatic efforts to bring Aafia back,” the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader said. “However, there has been no understanding to release Shakeel Afridi or Raymond Davis [who was released earlier].”

On Thursday, the Foreign Office said Pakistan had raised the issue of Dr Aafia Siddiqui during the recent visit of senior US diplomat Ambassador Alice Wells.



On the same day, the foreign minister said Pakistan will extend help to Aafia Siddiqui as per the law to lessen her difficulties.

Aafia, who has been serving a 86 years imprisonment in the US for allegedly attacking US soldiers in Afghanistan and having links to Al Qaeda, recently wrote a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, seeking his help for her release.