PM urged to intervene for Aafia Siddiqui's release

KARACHI:

Global Aafia Movement Chairperson Dr Fozia Siddiqui has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene for the release of her sister, Dr Aafia Siddiqui, currently imprisoned in the United States.

In a letter written on the occasion of recent diplomatic efforts, including a ceasefire initiative in the Middle East and reported engagement between the US and Iran in Islamabad, she appealed to the premier to take up the matter on humanitarian grounds.

Dr Siddiqui said that peace efforts in the region were commendable and expressed pride in Pakistan's role, including that of Asim Munir. She urged the prime minister to use his leadership and diplomatic outreach to seek relief for her sister.

She noted that recent diplomatic engagement had also improved ties between Pakistan and former US president Donald Trump, which could provide an opportunity to raise the issue.

Highlighting her sister's condition, Dr Siddiqui said she continued to endure severe hardship in custody. She also referred to the recent killing of her nephew in Texas, calling it a tragic loss that had further compounded the family's distress.