Detention of Aafia Siddiqui an issue of fundamental human rights: Governor Sindh Ishrat ul Ibad
Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan on Monday said that Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s detention in the USA was an issue of fundamental human rights and should be taken in that context.
Every Pakistani, the governor said, wanted the release of Dr Siddiqui, who had been sentenced to 86 years in prison for allegedly firing at US troops in Afghanistan, and by granting their wish America could create a soft corner for itself amongst the people of Pakistan.
He expressed these views while talking to the detainee’s lawyer and former Attorney General of the USA, Ramsey Clark, who called on him at the Governor’s House. The governor offered full cooperation with regards to the discharge of Dr Siddiqui, adding that such a move would improve US-Pak ties, which was the need of the hour.
Clark updated him about the efforts being taken for the freeing of the doctor, who was arrested in July, 2008, in Afghanistan.
Ebad also made a telephonic contact with Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and urged him to take efforts at the governmental level in this regard. It was stated that Clark accompanied by the detainee’s sister, Dr Fauzia Siddiqui, was expected to call on the prime minister.
