DNA proves girl is Aafia’s daughter
April 11, 2010
By Tahir Niaz
“The DNA profile obtained from blood samples of Maryam Khan alias Fatima, Ahmad Muhammad – her brother – share the STR Genetic Markers with the DNA profile obtained from blood sample of Dr Amjad Khan. Based on the DNA analysis, Dr Amjad cannot be excluded as the biological father of Maryam alias Fatima,” concludes the National Forensic Science Agency’s report, an exclusive copy of which is available with Daily Times. The laboratory is run by the Interior Ministry.
Ahmed, Dr Aafia’s 12-year-old son, was recovered in 2008 and now lives with his aunt, Dr Fauzia in Karachi.
Recovery: Meanwhile, Senate Standing Committee on Interior Chairman Talha Mehmood told a press conference that Maryam – left by unidentified men on the doorstep of her aunt’s house a few days back – was recovered from the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan.
Talha said Maryam was found with an American named John, adding the Pakistan government was not making enough efforts to secure Dr Aafia’s release.
He said if the US convicted the “innocent” Dr Aafia, it would distort its image among the community of nations. He said the standing committee would continue to struggle for her release, the same way it did for the recovery of her missing children. “The release of Dr Aafia is a one-point agenda of the entire nation, but the apologetic attitude of the rulers has encouraged foreign forces to bring disgrace to the Pakistani people,” the senator added.
He said Prime Minister Gilani should take up Dr Aafia’s issue when he meets the US president to secure her release and bring back to Pakistan.
