PM Shehbaz directs MoFA to engage with US for Dr Aafia’s release

• Matter was discussed with Dr Aafia’s sister Dr Fowzia Siddiqui
• Dr. Fowzia thanked the prime minister for receiving her.
• She appreciated the measures government was undertaking

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday instructed the Foreign Ministry to remain fully engaged with the US Government and Pakistan’s Mission in Washington, for Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s well-being and for her early release.

The matter was discussed as Dr Aafia’s sister Dr Fowzia Siddiqui called on the prime minister here.

Dr. Fowzia thanked the prime minister for receiving her.

She appreciated the measures the government was undertaking for Dr. Aafia’s well-being and requested the Government of Pakistan to redouble its efforts for the early release of Dr. Aafia. The prime minister assured Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui of the Government of Pakistan’s full support.

It was recalled that former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif also had made robust efforts for the release of Dr Aafia.

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IHC directs FO to provide legal assistance for Dr Aafia’s release

Court said it was eighth hearing without any progress Lawyer said apparently...

PM Shehbaz lauded Dr. Fowzia’s untiring efforts for several years, in the pursuit of justice for her sister and prayed for the well-being and good health of Dr Aafia.

On January 20, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had instructed the Foreign Office (FO) to provide legal assistance to petitioner Dr Fauzia Siddiqui in a case seeking measures for release of her sister Dr Aafia Siddiqui from a United States jail.

Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan had heard the petition filed by Dr Fauzia Siddiqui. The additional attorney general had informed the court that the matter had been taken up at the diplomatic and government officials had a meeting with the acting US ambassador in that regard.

The court had remarked that it was seventh or eighth hearing, but nothing had been done. The petitioner’s lawyer had said that apparently the government seemed to be helpless in the matter.