Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui has criticized the Pakistani government for its alleged failure to secure the release of her sister, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who is currently serving an 86-year sentence in a US prison. Her comments come in the wake of former US President Joe Biden’s decision not to grant clemency to Dr. Aafia before leaving office.
Reports indicate that President Biden granted clemency to at least five convicted individuals on his last day in office, but Dr. Aafia was not among them. His decision preceded Donald Trump’s assumption of the presidency.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Fowzia expressed her disappointment, stating, “Aafia’s petition was denied today due to the impotence of the Pakistani government, but her case has been won in the court of public opinion.” She further criticized the government, drawing comparisons to efforts by Israel and Hamas in facilitating the release of hostages, highlighting the lack of similar dedication for her sister’s return.
Clive Stafford Smith, Dr. Aafia’s lawyer, also condemned Biden’s decision to overlook her clemency petition while granting pardons to others. Despite this setback, Smith vowed to pursue “Plan B” to continue advocating for her release.
CAGE International, an advocacy organization, echoed concerns over Dr. Aafia’s prolonged imprisonment, criticizing the Biden administration for dismissing her clemency request without explanation. The organization emphasized the importance of persistent efforts, stating, “This news is disheartening, but our efforts to secure her release must not stop.”
In a renewed appeal, Dr. Fowzia has urged Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and former President Asif Ali Zardari to make one final push for clemency.
