PM Shebaz writes letter to US president for Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s release

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has written a letter requesting the US president to pardon and release Dr Aafia Siddiqui, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

In the letter, wrote to US President Joe Biden for release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said “I met you in America and in my hometown Lahore. I have always found you a friend of Pakistan and its people.”

“I remember your role in the Congressional approval of the Kerry-Lugar-Berman Bill 15 years ago,” Shehbaz Sharif said and added “I would like to draw your attention to an important matter which should be viewed on the basis of sympathy.”

He wrote that Dr Aafia Siddiqui has been imprisoned in Federal Medical Center (FMC) Carswell since September 2010.

Dr Aafia Siddiqui has been sentenced to 86 years in prison by the American District Court, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, adding Dr Aafia Siddiqui has served 16 years in American prison and in these years, Pakistani officials have met with Aafia Siddiqui.

The PM said all the persons who met her expressed serious concerns about Aafia Siddiqui's treatment facilities.

Dr Aafia Siddiqui's poor mental and physical health has been affected by treatment and the fear was also expressed that Aafia Siddiqui might take her life, text of Prime Minister's letter said.

“I am fully aware of your struggle for your citizens imprisoned abroad and you may understand that as Prime Minister it is my responsibility to intervene in this matter”, text of letter further said.

It is requested that you use your constitutional authority and order the release of Aafia Siddiqui on humanitarian grounds, PM’s letter says.

Aafia Siddiqui's family and millions of Pakistanis are waiting for your grace with me, the text of letter concluded.

Reporter: Ehtesham Kiyani