Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached out to U.S. President Joe Biden in a letter, requesting the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who has been imprisoned in the U.S. for several years. In his letter dated October 13, Shehbaz appealed for Biden’s compassionate intervention regarding Siddiqui’s situation at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Carswell in Texas, where she is serving an 86-year sentence without the possibility of parole.
Dr. Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist, has spent about 16 years in U.S. custody after being indicted in September 2008 on charges of attempted murder and assault related to an incident during her interrogation by U.S. authorities in Afghanistan. Following 18 months of detention, she was tried and convicted in early 2010.
The prime minister expressed concern over the treatment Siddiqui has received, which has adversely affected her mental and physical health, noting fears for her safety and well-being. He emphasized the moral responsibility to advocate for her release given the severe circumstances she faces.
Shehbaz praised Biden for his dedication to the rights of U.S. citizens, particularly those held abroad, and urged him to exercise his authority to grant Siddiqui clemency on humanitarian grounds. He concluded the letter by stating that her family and many Pakistanis support this plea for a favorable outcome.
Clive Stafford Smith, an American human rights lawyer representing Siddiqui, welcomed the letter as a heartfelt gesture from the Prime Minister. He emphasized the importance of this moment, particularly given the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, which could influence Siddiqui’s case. Smith previously reported that Siddiqui has faced ongoing harassment and abuse while imprisoned, raising serious concerns about her treatment.
