FO assures IHC of arranging telephonic conversation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui her family members
ISLAMABAD, May 27 (SABAH): Foreign Office has submitted written report in Islamabad High Court during the hearing of the case filed for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. Meanwhile the Foreign Office has assured the IHC that telephonic conversation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui will be arranged with her sister Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui and other family members though Pakistani Embassy present in America in two weeks time. The court has adjourned further hearing of the case till 24th June.
Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq conducted hearing on the petition filed by Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui for the release of her sister Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. During the hearing director foreign affairs submitted the written report. It has been revealed in the FO report that Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is currently imprisoned it Federal Medical Center (FMC) Carswell (a U.S federal prison in Forth Worth, Texas). Since her arrest in 2008, persistent efforts have been made by the Government of Pakistan for her release. Government of Pakistan has consistently raised the matter with the U.S authorities at all levels. The issue of respecting the human and legal rights of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui has also been regularly raised in meetings in Islamabad and Washington.
The report further says that the Embassy and Consulate General in Houston have maintained regular contact with Dr. Aafia Siddiqui throughout her trail, conviction and now during incarceration. Consul General Houston visits her every three months and mains in regular contact with Superintendent of FMC Carswell to ensure Dr. Aafia’s well-being and address any issue she or her family raises from time to time.
The report further states that the last consular access took place on January 28, 2022. She refused to talk to the consul, nevertheless, she was found healthy on the occasion. It is noteworthy that under Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPaA) rules, Dr. Aafia has not included Pakistan Consulate for sharing her health related information. Dr. Aafia has herself confrmed to the Consul General that, she has authorized only her sister Dr. Fouzia, brother Muhammad Ali Siddiqui, and Attorney Ms. Marwa Elibiallly, in this regard.
The report of the FO further states that however, Consul General regularly updates Dr. Aafia’s family regarding her health and well-being based on his consular access. The Consulate has again requested FMC Carswell, for consular access at the first available convenience.
The report further states that Dr. Aafia has access to telephone in the FMC Carswell facility and is free to make contact with her family.