Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken a significant step in advocating for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release from an American prison. He wrote a letter to US President Joe Biden on October 13. In this letter, he urged the president to review Dr. Siddiqui’s case with compassion. Dr. Siddiqui has been incarcerated at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Carswell in Texas for several years.
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is serving an 86-year sentence. This sentence, imposed by the Southern District Court of New York, does not allow for parole. In his letter, PM Shehbaz noted that Siddiqui, now 52, has spent nearly sixteen years in US custody.
Dr. Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist, faced serious charges in a New York federal district court in September 2008. She was indicted on charges of attempted murder and assault. These charges stemmed from an incident that occurred during an interview with US authorities in Ghazni, Afghanistan, which she has consistently denied. After spending 18 months in detention, she was tried and convicted in early 2010. She received the lengthy sentence shortly after.
PM’s Emphasis
In his letter, PM Shehbaz emphasized that many Pakistani officials have visited Siddiqui in prison. As a result, these visits raised “serious concerns” about her treatment. Consequently, the conditions have taken a toll on her mental and physical health. Furthermore, PM Shehbaz expressed deep concern, stating, “In fact, they even fear that she could take her own life.”
Moreover, the prime minister praised President Biden for advocating for the rights of US citizens, especially those in dire situations abroad. He stated that it is his “solemn duty” as Pakistan’s prime minister to intervene when necessary to protect a citizen’s well-being.
“Comprehending these facts, I request you, Mr. President, to kindly exercise your constitutional authority and accept Dr. Siddiqui’s clemency petition and order her release on humanitarian grounds,” he wrote. He urged the American president to consider pardoning the neuroscientist.
PM Shehbaz expressed trust in Biden to give this request serious consideration. He concluded the letter by noting that Dr. Siddiqui’s family and millions of fellow citizens join him in seeking a favorable outcome.
Positive Reaction
The letter drew attention and support from various quarters. Clive Stafford Smith, an American human rights lawyer representing Dr. Siddiqui, reacted positively. He described the letter as “very welcome and very heartfelt” from the prime minister.
In June, Smith disclosed troubling information about Dr. Siddiqui’s treatment in prison. He reported that she had been subjected to continuous sexual harassment. Smith stated that a security guard raped her two weeks ago as punishment. He called attention to the ongoing sexual abuse Dr. Siddiqui faces daily.
Smith’s comments highlighted the serious concerns about her safety and treatment. He emphasized that this abuse had not ceased. The situation surrounding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui continues to raise alarm among her supporters and human rights advocates globally.
As the international community watches closely, PM Shehbaz’s appeal underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian concerns surrounding Dr. Siddiqui’s imprisonment.
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