Cabinet decision on ratifying Council of Europe treatytermed first ray of hope for Aafia release
Karachi, August 28: Aafia Movement here Wednesday welcomed the decision of Prime Minister,s cabinet to ratify the Council of Europe treaty for the repatriation of convicts abroad.
A release of Aafia Movement said: “We find it a breakthrough that PM’s cabinet approving to ratify the Council of Europe treaty leading to possible repatriation of a daughter of the nation Dr. Aafia Siddiqui to Pakistan to spend the remainder of her sentence on Pakistani soil closer to her family and loved ones.
It said we understand that this is not in any way a victory but a compromise, indeed a way forward and may help alleviate some of the suffering of Aafia’s ailing mother and family that provides a beacon of hope for hundreds of Pakistani’s languishing under inhuman conditions in foreign jails. However the efforts of the present government are praiseworthy to attach value to the life of a Pakistani citizen incarcerated on a foreign soil. This is the first step in the right direction and if followed through to its ultimate outcome will set a healthy and powerful precedent and meaningful direction for future administrations. To
Aafia Movement,s leader Dr Fowzia Siddiqui said it is now a test case for our Foreign Office as how soon Aafia returns home. She hoped that they will treat this case as a matter of priority and not just another number in their things to do list. Dr. Aafia Siddiqui being innocent and a prisoner of conscious genuinely deserves honorable and unconditional freedom but we gratefully accept any step forward that provides relief to Aafia & her family. we gratefully acknowledge the concerted and sincere efforts of the present government, especially the Dept of Interior. We hope that while this process is proceeding the government will not miss any opportunity of a diplomatic resolution to Aafia's repatriation. And that the PM will definitely take up this humanitarian issue on every forum and during his trip to the USA.
She said the Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali took personal keen interest in the case and his team worked hard and diligently in preparing the recommendations for the cabinet meeting.She expressed profound gratitude to all volunteers and supporters of Aafia Movement worldwide for their dedication, unshakeable conviction in Aafia’s innocence and untiring hard work.
She said the efforts of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government for Aafia release would always be remembered by Pakistani nation and they would also pave way for a new chapter of warmer people-to-people rations between Pakistan and the United States of America
