The United States (US) was one of the first countries to have diplomatic relations with Pakistan. It did so almost immediately after the country’s independence
in August 1947. The last year marked 75 years of bilateral ties during which in various phases the two countries remained the most allied of allies. However, while ‘celebrating’ such a landmark year between the two countries, it was depressing that the one issue no one was willing to touch was that of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who has been imprisoned in a US jail for many, many years.
The matter has inexplicably been put on the back burner by even when there are civil society entities in both the countries that raise voice for this right or that all the time.
Dr Aafia has serious health issues, and her children are continuously deprived of their mother’s presence, love and affection due to her detention. As such, the children are unable to have their fundamental human rights even though they are not at fault on any count.
The release of Dr Aafia will be considered a token of bilateral friendship. The international community and peace-loving people of the world expect a general amnesty for foreign detainees and convicts in the US, including Dr Aafia. She deserves to be freed on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, if nothing else.
There are millions of Pakistanis for whom the release of Dr Aafia will project a soft image of the US, and would help them actually believe in the American claims of its belief in ensuring human rights across the board.
The US ambassador in Pakistan will do a great service by advising the government as well as the heads of the US Senate and the House of Representatives to actively consider the release of Dr Aafia.
MAHFOOZUN NABI KHAN
KARACHI
