Pakistani Delegation Optimistic About Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s Release Before January 20

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani delegation has expressed hope that Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who has been in US custody for over a decade, may be released before January 20, 2025.

The delegation, directed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, held a three-hour meeting with Dr. Siddiqui at the US prison where she is detained. The team included Senators Bushra Anjum and Talha Mahmood, along with psychiatrist Dr. Iqbal Afridi.

Senator Bushra Anjum revealed that Dr. Siddiqui discussed her hardships but remains hopeful for justice.

This development follows a letter from PM Shehbaz Sharif to US President Joe Biden, requesting Dr. Siddiqui’s release. However, US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel redirected queries on the matter to the Department of Justice.

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a neuroscientist with a PhD from Brandeis University, disappeared in Pakistan in 2004 and was later found in Afghanistan in 2008. She was accused of assaulting a US soldier during an interrogation, allegations she and her family have consistently denied. In 2010, she was sentenced to prison by a US court.