Pakistan to sign intl. convention for Aafia's repatriation
It’s been more than ten years since she disappeared under mysterious circumstances from Karachi and then was picked up by the United States.
In 2010, she was sentenced to 86 years in prison on charges of shooting at her American interrogators in Afghanistan. Her family back in Pakistan and many other people believe that charges against Dr Afia are simply fabricated. They have long been seeking her release from the US custody.
And finally there is some hope for her repatriation after the Pakistani government has decided to sign a multilateral convention for the transfer of prisoners from the US. Once Pakistan formally signs the Council of Europe Convention, it can ask the transfer of Siddiqi from the United States.
Afia’s sister, who is spearheading the movement for her release, says she is satisfied with Pakistani government’s efforts to bring back what she called ‘the daughter of the nation.’
Dr. Aafia is currently being held at the notorious Federal Medical Center in Carswell, Texas where she is kept in the Special housing unit, which is the most severe confinement category.
Dr Afia’s release has become one of the top national issues in Pakistan, as there have been numerous protests not only in Pakistan but many other countries for her release. The country’s Prime Minister also said that his government will go all out to ensure her repatriation