Senator Bushra Anjum, a member of the Pakistani delegation, has shared that a decision regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release is likely to be made before January 20, 2025. The senator made this statement after a three-hour meeting with Dr. Siddiqui, who has been imprisoned in the United States for years. The Pakistani delegation, under the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is actively working toward securing her release.
The delegation also met with US Congress members and officials from the State Department. According to Senator Anjum, the discussions about Aafia Siddiqui’s case have been positive, and she expressed hope that the US government will act on her release soon. Aafia Siddiqui’s case has become a significant international human rights issue, with growing concerns about her treatment in US custody.
Last month, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui filed a petition in a US federal court in Texas, accusing prison staff of violating her rights. The petition includes serious allegations of sexual assault, abuse, denial of medical care, and religious discrimination. She filed the complaint against the US government, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and other prison authorities.
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is currently serving an 86-year prison sentence in a Texas jail. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier written a letter to US President Joe Biden, urging for her release. In his letter dated October 13, he highlighted that Dr. Siddiqui has been in US custody for almost 16 years, raising concerns about her treatment. The Pakistani government continues to press for a compassionate review of her case.
