Dr Fowzia calls out govt for failing to release Aafia from US prison

Dr Fowzia Siddiqui accused the Pakistani government of failing to make comprehensive efforts to secure the release of her sister, Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who is serving an 86-year sentence in a US prison. Meanwhile, former US President Joe Biden denied a pardon to the Pakistani neuroscientist.

Dr Aafia Siddiqui did not receive a presidential pardon from former President Joe Biden before he left office, making way for Donald Trump to assume the presidency.

According to reports, former US President Joe Biden granted clemency to at least five convicted individuals on his last day in office, however, Dr Aafia was not among them.

Taking to X, Dr Fowzia wrote, "Aafia's petition was denied today due to the impotence of the Pakistani government, but her case has been won in the court of public opinion."

In another post, Dr Fowzia compared the efforts made by Israel and Hamas to free their hostages, criticising the Pakistani government for falling short in facilitating Dr Aafia’s return to her home country.

Aafia’s lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith, also lashed out at President Biden for ignoring Aafia’s clemency petition while granting pardons to others. However, he expressed determination to “move to Plan B” and continue his efforts to secure Dr Aafia’s release.

The advocacy organisation CAGE International also voiced its concern over Dr Aafia’s imprisonment, criticising the Biden administration for disregarding her clemency petition without providing any explanation.

"This news is disheartening, but our efforts to secure her release must not stop," the organisation stated.

Earlier, Dr Fowzia Siddiqui appealed to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and President Asif Ali Zardari to make a final effort to secure clemency for her sister.