Aafia freedom necessary for uphold of justice: American scholar Mauri Saalakhan
Karachi, March 5: Noted American scholar and human rights activist Mauri Saalakhan, President of US-based Peace Through Justice, has said that the freedom of Pakistani mother Dr Aafia Siddiqui is necessary for uphold of justice and peace in the world. He said more than 40 human rights organizations of the world have announced to launch a joint struggle for the release of Dr Aafia and the government of Pakistan should also play its due role to secure the release and repatriation of Aafia.
He was addressing a crowded press conference at the residence of Aafia Movement Pakistan leader Dr Fowzia Siddiqui at Gulshan-e-Iqbal here on Wednesday. He said that if the government of Pakistan took a lead for seeking Aafia release these international human rights organizations would fully support it. He said he cannot forget his warm welcome in Pakistan and love of the Pakistani people for Dr Aafia.
On the occasion, mother of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, Asmat Siddiqui was also present.
Salakhan said he has come to Pakistan on the invitation of the Aafia family. He said he would like to inform the Pakistani people and human rights organizations that international human rights workers were deeply concerned about the Aafia Siddiqui issue.
He said he on behalf of these more than 40 organizations is announcing to launch a global movement for the release of Dr Aafia. He said the injustices being meted out to Aafia are the dark pages of the modern history and tarnish on the face of global peace and justice. He said he has not seen or heard such a blatant injustice to any women in the world. He said this is why the human rights workers of the whole world are concerned about her plights.
He said has already visited dozens of countries including Turkey, Malaysia, South Africa, the UK, Egypt, Tanzania, France and Germany where human rights activists, lawyers, students and journalists have assured him of their full support for the cause of Aafia. He said he want to tell the government of Pakistan to take a brave stance on this issue and the human rights lovers of the whole world would back it.
Earlier, when Saalakhan reached Karachi airport he was given a warm welcome by a large number of citizens and human rights workers. He was brought to the residence of Fowzia Siddiqui in shape of a big rally.
