Further delay in the release of the daughter of the nation, Aafia Siddiqui, who has been serving 86-year imprisonment term in the United States despite being innocent, is the contempt of whole Pakistani nation, said Aafia Movement leader and Aafia’s sister Dr Fouzia Siddiqui.
Addressing a crowded press conference at the Lahore Press Club (LPC) on Sunday, she said that General Raheel Sharif is amongst the most powerful and influential persons of the world and he is also the custodian of the solidarity of Pakistan. She said Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with their joint efforts can bring innocent Aafia back home, adding that with the return of Aafia the present atmosphere of fear and harassment would be ended, and the confidence of people on the political and military leadership restored.
Dr Fouzia said in our society the daughters are considered as the honour of the nation. The rulers and politicians have already declared Aafia as the daughter of the nation, she said, adding that inordinate delay in her release is a dishonour and contempt to the whole Pakistani nation and leadership.
“This delay has been creating a sense of insecurity amongst citizens,” Aafia’s sister said.
She said people belonging to every religion, school of thought and walk of life like Aafia and the peace-loving people of whole world are concerned about her detention.
She said that today Aafia could not see yet another cricket world cup, adding that her children miss their mother during every cricket match. General Sharif should put in efforts to give the nation a prize of super world cup by bringing Aafia back home before the world cup final, she said, hoping that the army chief and the prime minister will bring Aafia home.
“The army chief has taken the oath of defending the geographical and ideological boundaries of the country and I appeal him to play his crucial role in return of Aafia”.
She said in the present circumstances heavy responsibility is laid on his shoulders and God willingly, with the support of whole nation he would bring Aafia back home.
