Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached out to U.S. President Joe Biden, urging him to intervene for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who has been imprisoned in the U.S. for several years.
In a letter dated October 13, the Prime Minister called for compassion in addressing Siddiqui’s situation, as she remains incarcerated at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Carswell in Texas.
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a 52-year-old Pakistani neuroscientist, is serving an 86-year sentence without the possibility of parole, following her conviction by a New York federal district court in 2010 for attempted murder and assault, charges she denies. The incident that led to her indictment occurred during an interview with U.S. authorities in Ghazni, Afghanistan.
In his letter, PM Shehbaz highlighted that Siddiqui has spent approximately sixteen years in U.S. custody, and her health has deteriorated significantly due to the treatment she has received in prison. He noted that Pakistani officials have frequently visited her, raising serious concerns about her physical and mental well-being, with fears that she may be at risk of self-harm.
The Prime Minister acknowledged President Biden’s commitment to advocating for the rights of U.S. citizens, particularly those detained abroad. He framed his request as a “solemn duty” to ensure the welfare of a Pakistani citizen in dire circumstances. He urged Biden to consider Siddiqui’s clemency petition on humanitarian grounds, expressing hope for a favorable outcome for her family and the Pakistani people.
In response, Clive Stafford Smith, a human rights lawyer representing Dr. Siddiqui, welcomed the Prime Minister’s heartfelt letter. He noted that this represents an important step in advocating for her release and expressed hope for meetings with U.S. officials in Washington by mid-November. Stafford Smith emphasized the strategic timing of the letter, as President Biden prepares to leave office after the upcoming presidential elections in November, suggesting that this window could be an opportunity for action.