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

Dr Fowzia Siddiqui called on the government to demonstrate greater sincerity and commitment in fighting for her sister, Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s release from a US prison, urging it to intensify efforts in support of her clemency petition.

Taking to X, Dr Fowzia stressed the urgency of the clemency petition, stating that it requires strong and unwavering backing rather than mere financial compensation.

“Aafia is the daughter of our nation, & it's govt's responsibility to fight for her release with passion & dedication,” she wrote.

Dr Fowzia further stated that she has been bearing the expenses of her sister’s case for the past 20 years and is willing to continue doing so. However, she urged the government to “take ownership of Aafia” and expedite high-level efforts for her release.

She also called on the government to equip the delegation with unequivocal support and endorsements, stating, “Let the delegation go with an offer the #Americans cannot refuse.”

Addressing US President Joe Biden’s official account on X, Dr Fowzia requested compassion for her sister, drawing parallels to his decision to pardon his own son. She highlighted that Dr Aafia continues to endure unimaginable trauma and brutal torture in prison.

On December 2, Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Dogal informed the Islamabad High Court that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had signed a summary approving financial assistance for the delegation traveling to the US to advocate for Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s release.

The Additional Attorney General also informed the court that Senator Irfan Siddiqui would not accompany the delegation due to personal reasons. Instead, Senator Bushra will represent the government during the visit.

Dr Aafia Siddiqui is a Pakistani neuroscientist, who has been imprisoned in the United States for nearly two decades. 

Recently, her lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith revealed new “compelling evidence,” revealing that Aafia was coerced into copying content to make her appear as a terrorist while she was tortured at a US airbase in Bagram.

According to the lawyer, the text she copied was taken from an American science magazine. 

This evidence is yet to be presented in court, but it offers hope for a breakthrough in her case.