Dr Aafia meets sister after 20 years

Dr Aafia expected to again meet Dr Fauzia, Senator Mushtaq and her lawyer today

TEXAS:

Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani national in US custody, met her sister Dr Fauzia Siddiqui after almost 20 years, Express News reported on Wednesday.

The sisters met at the Federal Medical Center, Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas.

During the two-and-a-half-hour meeting, the two sisters remained separated by a glass partition. Dr Aafia Siddiqui informed her sister about her treatment by the US authorities.

Dr Fauzia shared details of Dr Aafia's children with her, but was not allowed by the US authorities to show her their pictures.

Now an adult, at the time of Dr Aafia’s arrest, her son was six months old, whereas her daughter has now become a doctor.

Dr Fauzia, Senator Mushtaq and Dr Aafia's American lawyer, Clive Smith, who are seeking her release are expected to meet with Dr Aafia again today to discuss further possible steps for Dr Aafia's release.

Read No diplomatic passport for Dr Fauzia, IHC told

Dr Aafia is currently undergoing treatment in a federal medical prison in the state of Texas, where women prisoners are provided with special medical and mental health facilities.

The Pakistani national is currently serving an 86-year sentence in the US, following her conviction by a federal court in New York in 2010 on attempted murder and other charges.

On May 8, the Islamabad High Court was informed that Dr Fauzia Siddiqui had been granted a US visa that will allow her to meet with her incarcerated sister in the US.

During a hearing concerning the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Dogar informed the court about the development.

The court has directed the government to arrange an independent psychiatric evaluation for Dr Aafia Siddiqui, share all documents and information related to her case with her lawyer Clive Smith, and ensure that such information is not used for any other purpose beyond the scope of the case.