LAHORE
Dr Aafia Siddiqui has become a symbol of respect for the country but unfortunately the rulers have failed to repatriate her back with honour, and breaking free from the shackles of the US slavery is the only solution to all problems being faced by Pakistan, former Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Qazi Hussain said on Monday.
Qazi made these comments while addressing a function held in connection with the “Dr Aafia Release Movement” at the Lahore Press Club. Dr Fauzia Siddiqui, Aafia’s sister, was one of the key speakers on the occasion. Qazi said that the arrest and subsequent sentencing of Dr Aafia had put many question marks on the loyalties of the federal government.
He said that a high-level Pakistani delegation including the chief of army staff travelled to the US recently, but they did not even talk about Dr Aafia’s case. The rulers must realise that the people of Pakistan would accept no decision taken at the expense of Dr Aafia’s freedom, Qazi added. He said it was the need of the hour that the government took concrete steps for the release of Dr Aafia, adding that public pressure would force the American court to review its decision and release the ‘daughter of Pakistan’.
On a different note, Qazi condemned the drone attacks, claiming that the attacks were being carried out with the consent of the Pakistani government. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Fauzia stressed the need for evolving a uniform strategy for the release of Dr Aafia.
She was of the view that people should stand united under one banner to exert pressure on Pakistani and American governments to release Dr Aafia with respect. Talking about the diplomatic efforts made by the government, Dr Fauzia said, “I can say firmly that not even a single, constructive step has been taken for Dr Aafia’s release. All that the government has done is to adopt delaying tactics.”
