Rally demands release of Dr Aafia

Torchlight march staged to mark 23 years since her abduction

KARACHI:

Dr Fauzia Siddiqui described the completion of 23 years of Dr Aafia Siddiqui's detention in the United States despite her innocence as a "human tragedy" and urged her immediate release, calling it a global demand.

Supporters organised a "Torchlight Rally" outside Dr Aafia's residence in Gulshan-e-Iqbal on Sunday to mark the anniversary of her abduction along with her three young children. The rally drew a large turnout, including political, religious, social, human rights, and women's rights leaders and activists.

Addressing the participants, Dr Siddiqui highlighted that Dr Aafia is a victim of what she called a "pseudo-war" and stressed the devastating impact of global conflicts on ordinary citizens. She urged the government to secure Dr Aafia's return, emphasising that her release would restore public confidence in the system. Dr Siddiqui recounted the ordeal faced by Dr Aafia, including her abduction along with her children, transfer to Afghanistan, forced disappearance for five years, alleged torture in secret detention centers, and the imposition of an 86-year prison sentence.