'Govt not negligent in Dr Aafia's matter:' PM Shehbaz to Dr Fowzia

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met with Dr Fowzia Siddiqui, sister of Pakistani neuroscientist Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who is languishing in a US jail.

During the meeting, the prime minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to providing all possible legal and diplomatic support in the case.

“The government is in no way negligent in the matter of Dr Aafia Siddiqui,” PM Sharif said, as quoted in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. He assured Dr Fowzia that the government would continue to provide every possible legal and diplomatic assistance in her sister’s case.

PM Sharif had earlier written a letter to then-US President Joe Biden for necessary action in the matter, the statement said, adding that he has also formed a special committee with Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar as its head to pursue further progress on the case.

“The committee will remain in contact with Dr Fowzia Siddiqui and work to provide any necessary support,” the statement said.

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

Last year in October, the prime minister penned a letter to Biden demanding Siddiqui’s release and highlighting concerns about her treatment in jail. He also warned that her deteriorating physical and mental health put her at risk of self-harm.

Biden, who stepped down as US president this January, rejected a petition calling for Dr Aafia's clemency.

The Pakistani academic was taken into custody in July 2008 by Afghan authorities, who claimed that she was found with around two pounds (900 grams) of sodium cyanide and handwritten notes referencing large-scale attacks and locations in New York.

I will pay my own expenses but please take ownership of Aafia: Dr Fowzia urges govt

According to the indictment, a day after her arrest, Siddiqui allegedly seized an M-4 rifle during interrogation and opened fire while shouting “death to America.” Although no American personnel were injured, she was shot and wounded in the incident, according to US prosecutors.

In 2010, a federal jury in New York convicted Siddiqui of attempted murder, armed assault, and other offences. She was not charged with any terrorism-related crimes.