Bring Aafia home
After tireless and persistent efforts of 20 long years, Dr Aafia Siddiqui, the Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned in the US, was finally granted the opportunity to meet her sister, Dr Fowzia Siddiqui. This long-awaited reunion marks a significant step forward in her journey towards justice and highlights the importance of continued efforts to secure her release.
The meeting between Aafia Siddiqui and Fowzia Siddiqui holds immense emotional and symbolic value. For over two decades, Aafia has been separated from her loved ones, enduring the hardships of imprisonment in a foreign land. She has suffered through inhumane conditions, something that no respectful person should go through. The torture and cruelty she endured is in itself punishment enough. Reconnecting with her sister brings a glimmer of hope and solace in an otherwise challenging and desolate situation. The meeting serves as a reminder of the significance of familial bonds and human rights. However, it should not be seen as the culmination of the efforts to bring Aafia back home. It should instead serve as a catalyst for renewed determination and increased advocacy. The Pakistani government, in collaboration with international partners, must continue their diplomatic engagements to secure Aafia’s repatriation. The importance of pursuing all available legal avenues, providing robust legal representation, and addressing potential human rights violations cannot be overstated. The fact is, being a Pakistani citizen, she should have never been handed over so easily, to begin with.
The plight of Aafia Siddiqui should be a matter of concern for all those who champion the cause of justice. This is the moment to galvanise support, strengthen diplomatic engagements and make a compelling case for Aafia’s return. Pakistan has consistently emphasised its commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens, and the case of Aafia Siddiqui provides an opportunity to translate those words into action.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 4th, 2023.
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