Spontaneous Crowds for Aafia in Lyari
DAILY TIMES, PRESS TV, DUNYA TV, Daily JANG…
KARACHI: The Aafia Movement was invited to a gathering in the Lyari section of Karachi on Jan 16, 2011. However, when Dr. Fauzia, the sister of Dr. Aafia arrived, the gathering spontaneously erupted into a huge rally with thousands coming into the streets despite a ban on large crowds due to the security situation in Karachi.
The crowds expressed solidarity with Dr. Aafia, shouting that "if BB (Benazir Bhutto) were alive, Aafia would be home".
NOTE: Lyari,a traditional stronghold of the late Benazir Bhutto, is one of Karachi's largest, poorest and most notorious areas considered by many as a no-go area for outsiders. The spontaneous and overwhelming public sympathy for Dr. Aafia here was representative of similar sentiments in other poor parts of the city.
DAILY TIMES
Jan 17, 2011
Fouzia Siddiqui receives warm welcome in Lyari
By Asad Farooq
KARACHI: Dr Fouzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr Aafia Siddiqui detained in the United States for the last eight years, was warmly welcomed on Sunday at a reception, organised by the Pasban Pakistan at Tannery Road, Lyari.
On the occasion, fireworks were played and rose petals showered on her while local women welcomed her.
Addressing the reception, Dr Fouzia said: “Dr Aafia, daughter of the nation, could be brought to home within few hours if the government takes some serious measures.”
She said the rulers had forgotten Aafia after declaring her “Daughter of the Nation”.
President Pasban Pakistan Altaf Shakoor thanked people as they came out to welcome Dr Fouzia despite the ongoing tense situation of the city.
He said that entire Pakistani nation was backing ‘Free Aafia Movement’, so the rulers should review their foreign policies.
President Pasban Karachi chapter Aazam Minhas, General Secretary Shaikh Shakil and others were also present.
