Dr Fowzia appeals to President Zardari, COAS Asim Munir, seeking their assistance for release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui

KARACHI, Jan 13 (SABAH): Aafia Movement leader and noted neurophysician of the country Dr Fowzia Siddiqui here Monday appealed to the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, seeking their assistance for an early release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.

As per details, on the appeal of Dr Fowzia Siddiqui more than one million people have already signed the mercy petition to the outgoing US President Joe Biden for releasing Aafia on mercy grounds.

However, Dr Fowzia Siddiqui along with the lawyer of Dr Aafia Clive Smith reached Washington DC. She would meet with different US Senators and other officials during the next four days regarding the clemency petition for Dr Aafia Siddiqui. It is hoped that a breakthrough is expected soon and the nation would hear the good news about Dr Aafia Siddiqui, insha’Allah.

However, Dr Fowzia Siddiqui has strongly appealed to the President and Army Chief to use their good offices for the cause of Dr Aafia Siddiqui so that she could be released and join her family.

Earlier, Dr Fowzia had sent letters to the Prime Minister, President, COAS and DG ISPR regarding the case of Aafia Siddiqui.

In these letters, she maintained that the worthy PM Shahbaz Sharif has already written a personal letter to President Biden requesting clemency for Aafia on humanitarian grounds. While A 56,600-word clemency petition has been filed with the white house in September 2024 (No. C310439) After 22 months of intensive investigation, including four trips to Afghanistan, her pro bono counsel Clive Stafford Smith has gathered evidence indicating her innocence, and proving beyond doubt the trauma of her rendition-to-torture.

 This has been submitted in an additional 21,000-word analysis of her prison records reflects her good behavior in prison, and her terrible mental and physical condition. She further wrote: Our lawyer is convinced we can finally achieve this goal, but only if we get President Biden’s personal attention and Pakistan’s passionate stance, amid the chaos of the U.S. election cycle.

 Dr Fowzia wrote the current issue in the plan is that, “while I proposed some respected people who know Aafia’s case as part of the delegation, MOFA has yet to add the heavyweights who would get the attention of the White House.” She regretted that neither has MOFA yet proposed a “deal” that could seal the request for clemency, despite months of asking from my side. “I believe for this they need the assistance of your good offices.”

“It would make the chances of success much greater if there were a proposal for some benefit to the U.S. from clemency. I know that the Afghans are currently planning an exchange of two American prisoners for the last Afghan in Guantánamo, and a U.S. delegation has just been to Kabul to discuss the agreement. It is surely not too much to ask that our government should propose something, or someone, who the U.S. wants in exchange for my sister? I am sure you agree Aafia’s case is not just a personal tragedy but a national concern, reflecting our nation’s values and principles. Your involvement will not only bring solace to our family but also inspire hope and trust in our nation’s leadership,” she said.

“This will be a historic moment, glorifying our armed forces and General Muhammad bin Qasim’s legacy. It will show the world that, under your leadership Pakistan stands by its citizens, especially its daughters. The entire nation believes that your office has the power to make a significant difference in this matter. With only four days left before President Biden leaves office, time is of the essence. If we don’t act now, a crucial opportunity for clemency will be lost. As a nation, Pakistanis trust that you prioritize protecting the dignity and safety of a Pakistani daughter with the same importance as safeguarding our physical borders,” she concluded.