Protests Seek Dr. Aafia's Release as Secy Clinton Arrives
July 17-19, 2010
The NEWS
Karachi
On the appeal of President Pasban Pakistan Altaf Shakoor protest demonstration in various cities of the country were held for the release and repartition of noted Pakistani woman scientist Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who is presently languishing in US detention. Addressing demos in Multan, Bahawalnager, Faisalabad, Badin, Sukkur, Peshawar and Quetta, Pasban leaders demanded of the government to take immediate and practical steps for the repartition of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.
The NATION
ISLAMABAD – The speakers at a meeting urged the people from all walks of life to start a massive movement by holding seminars, rallies, public gatherings, and distributing pamphlets in and outside the country for the safe return of Dr Aafia Siddiqui as the government has failed to do anything. The event had organised by the Association of Business, Professional and Agricultural Women (ABPAW) to extend a strong support for Dr Aafia Siddiqui. People from all walks of life including NGOs, civil society representatives, lawyers and businesswomen attended the event.
REGIONAL TIMES
Effort urged to awaken world’s conscience on Dr Aafia’s issue.
Karachi: Dr Aafia Siddiqui case is the biggest human and women rights issue of our times, and there is dire need for targeted steps to raise this pressing matter not only in Pakistan but also abroad, so as to awaken the world conscience on the plight of this innocent mother.
This was said by speakers at a meeting of ‘Release Aafia Committee’ here on Sunday. It was noted that on August 16, 2010, the American court would announce its verdict against Dr Aafia and it is likely that this innocent lady might be handed life imprisonment, though charges against her are fake, flimsy and ridiculous. Sadly, the case of Dr Aafia is not highlighted in the true human and women rights perspectives, and the world conscience is not fully shaken on this sensitive humanitarian matter.
It was felt that Pakistani rulers have not formally taken up the matter of Dr Aafia and her children with their US counterparts and there is no formal request from our government for repatriation of Dr Aafia Siddiqui. The main reason behind this is if Dr Aafia’s case is brought to the limelight it would also pave way for the release and return of thousands of innocent Pakistanis who were illegally ‘sold’ by the former dictatorial regime to the US.
