PM reaffirms continued govt support for Dr Aafia's family
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday assured the family of Dr Aafia Siddiqui that the government remains fully committed to providing all possible legal and diplomatic support in her case.
The prime minister conveyed this during a meeting with Dr Fouzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr Aafia, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office on Friday.
The statement emphasised that the government is in no way negligent regarding the matter. It further highlighted that, under the prime minister's instructions, diplomatic and legal assistance has already been extended.
In addition, the premier had written to then US president Joe Biden to seek intervention in the case. A committee headed by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar was also formed to ensure further progress.
'The committee will remain in close contact with Dr Fouzia and will work to provide the necessary assistance,' the statement added.
Also Read: Pakistan calls on tech firms to curb terror content
Dr Aafia, a Pakistani neuroscientist currently incarcerated in the United States, was sentenced to 86 years in prison on charges of attempted murder — a sentence significantly exceeding the US legal maximum of 10 years for the crime.
She has served 16 years behind bars and has been separated from her children for more than two decades.
Dr Aafia was reportedly intercepted in Karachi in March 2003 while travelling with her three children and subsequently disappeared for five years. It was later revealed in 2008 that she had been imprisoned in Afghanistan before being transferred to the United States.
While two of her children, Ahmed and Maryam, were released in 2008 and 2010 respectively, the whereabouts of her son Sulaiman remain unknown.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Five die in firing on Tirah protesters
Listen to article Five people died and 17 others sustained injuries when protesters were fired upon during a protest outside a military installation against the killing of a girl in the Tirah Vally of the Khyber district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), tribal elders stated on Sunday. The protest ended after negotiations between tribal elders and security officials. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the shooting at the Bagh Maidan area of Tirah Valley. Tension gripped the area after the death of a 10-year-old girl the other day. Following the incident, the victim's relatives and local citizens reached the main gate of the Brigade Headquarters this morning to protest. The protesters shouted slogans against the incident and set a dispensary on fire. In the meanwhile, the shooting broke out in which three people died on the spot. Later two more injured succumbed to their wounds while on way to a hospital. Police sources said that 17 injured were taken to a local hospital but six of them were later shifted to Peshawar hospitals and seven to Orakzai district. Fifteen injured were identified as Ajmal, Abdul Halim, Ayub Khan, Siraj, Jartaj, Baitullah, Aamir Hassan, Rehmanullah, Muhammad Sadiq, Nazar Muhammad and Abu Bakar — all residents of Zakhakhel — Khan Zeb and Muhammad Javed of Shlobar; and Sher Zaman, Qasim, and Saeed Khan of Malk Din Khel. Later, the tribal elders met with security officials and presented their demands: case against those involved in the death of the girl; vacation of the occupied houses of local citizens, end to unnecessary harassment at the security check posts and financial assistance to the families of the deceased. The security forces' agreed to Rs1.5 million compensation to the families of each deceased and Rs200,000 assistance to each injured. After a partial agreement on the demands, the protesters ended the protest, and the situation started to return to normalcy. In Islamabad, meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the martyrdom of innocent and peaceful citizens due to the firing from Fitna al-Khawarij and directed the authorities concerned to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. K-P Chief Minister Gandapur also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the Tirah incident and announced financial assistance of Rs10 million for the heirs of each deceased and Rs2.5 million for each injured, according to an Express News report. The chief minister called a Peshawar Jirga, consisting of tribal elders and public representatives so that local sentiments and concerns could be heard. He directed the district administration and the institutions to strengthen public communication and maintain order. Gandapur said that a series of jirgas of tribal elders would start from next week at the divisional and then provincial levels. National Assembly member from the area Iqbal Afridi and K-P Assembly member Abdul Ghani Afridi condemned the incident. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan reaffirms balanced ties with US, China
Listen to article Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to maintaining strong relations with both China and the United States, stressing that its partnership with Washington should not be seen through the lens of its close ties with Beijing. Addressing the Pakistani community at the Consulate General in New York, Dar highlighted the country's diplomatic resurgence on the global stage, saying Pakistan had emerged from a period of diplomatic isolation and was now witnessing signs of economic revival. He called upon the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps toward resolving long-standing conflicts, particularly Palestine and the Jammu and Kashmir. "These disputes are critical for global peace," he said, stressing that the OIC, as the world's second-largest multilateral body, must transition from a symbolic role to a decisive one. He reiterated Pakistan's stance that a two-state solution remained the only viable resolution to the Palestinian crisis. Dar termed the UN Security Council Resolution 2788 a diplomatic victory for Pakistan. The resolution, adopted unanimously under Pakistan's presidency, focuses on "strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of disputes". On Pakistan-India relations, Dar expressed Islamabad's willingness to engage in talks if invited, stating that resolving the Kashmir issue could unlock regional development, tourism, and investment. "Pakistan is ready for US mediation, but India's consent is necessary," he said. "If the US plays a proactive role, Kashmir dispute could be resolved," the foreign minister told the gathering. He welcomed the possibility of US President Donald Trump's visit to Pakistan, but said that any formal announcement would be made by both the countries. He reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to defend its sovereignty and regional stability, recalling the country's firm and resolute response during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos that led to the downing of six Indian aircraft. He praised the unity demonstrated by the nation and the diaspora during that critical moment. Rejecting India's allegations against Pakistan, Dar stated that the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) had already been dismantled, while the US had not provided evidence against the so-called "TRF" – the outfit India had blamed for the Pahalgam attack in April. On regional situation, Dar emphasised Pakistan's outreach to Afghanistan with a view to enhancing regional connectivity through rail and trade corridors to Central Asia. He hoped Afghan soil would not be used for terrorism, noting the recent assurances received from the Afghan authorities in that regard. He also mentioned Pakistan's diplomatic efforts for de-escalating the Iran-Israel hostilities. He said the Iranian president would visit Pakistan soon. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine. Economic recovery Painting an optimistic outlook, Dar noted a sharp decline in inflation from 40% to 2.4% as of January 2025, crediting government policies and international engagement. "The global credit rating agencies have acknowledged Pakistan's improved macroeconomic outlook," he said. He outlined key government initiatives, particularly the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), designed to streamline investment procedures and unlock opportunities in priority sectors. He said that Pakistan aspired to join the G-20. He told the Pakistani-American diaspora that the country had successfully completed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. He invited the diaspora to actively contribute to Pakistan's development, particularly in investment, trade, education, and digital innovation. The DPM assured the community that the government was actively working toward an early resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights, including steps toward restoring routes to Europe and the United Kingdom, in line with international aviation compliance standards. Concluding his address, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's belief in diplomacy and dialogue, citing its UN Security Council presidency and efforts to promote peaceful dispute resolution. He also reiterated Pakistan's push for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, imprisoned in the US. "Pakistan is no longer isolated — we have friends across the world," Dar declared, underscoring the nation's renewed global standing and economic resurgence under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's leadership. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Govt bans land travel for Arbaeen pilgrims
Listen to article The federal government banned the overland travel for pilgrims heading to Iraq for the Arbaeen, citing security concerns in the restive Balochistan province, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday. Naqvi said that the decision had been taken after consultations with the Foreign Ministry, the Balochistan government, and the security agencies, adding that the pilgrims would be allowed to travel to Iraq only by air. Arbaeen, marking the 40th day of mourning after Ashura, sees millions of pilgrims, including thousands from Pakistan, travel to Karbala, Iraq, annually. Traditionally, many Pakistani pilgrims journey by road through Balochistan and Iran. However, due to the deteriorating law and order situation in the province — including increased terrorist attacks by Indian proxy outfits — the government deemed the move necessary for public safety and national security. "After extensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Balochistan Government, and security agencies, it has been decided that Zaireen will not be allowed to travel to Iraq and Iran by road for Arbaeen this year," Naqvi posted on X. "Zaireen will, however, be able to travel by air. Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to arrange maximum flights to facilitate their pilgrimage in the coming days," he added. "This difficult decision was taken in the interest of public safety and national security." On the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for arranging flights to facilitate the pilgrims, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced four special flights from Karachi between August 8 and 11, with return flights from Najaf scheduled from August 18 to 21. According to a PIA spokesperson the fare has been set at Rs212,000 per person, and the ticket sales had started. He added that more flights could be scheduled if necessary. Officials said passengers traveling by air individually will have to be sponsored by local people, otherwise they cannot enter Iraq. Meanwhile, private airlines have sharply increased fares, with tickets now ranging between Rs300,000 to Rs350,000. Tour operators estimate group travel expenses at $1,400 per pilgrim, compared to just $550 for land travel. This has raised fears that tens of thousands of low-income pilgrims might be unable to afford the journey. Salars — pilgrim group leaders — argue that the ban that has been announced just 15 days before Arbaeen has caused significant financial losses. They said that many people had already made advance payments for visas, vehicle certifications, and hotel bookings. They demanded that the government allowed supervised bus convoys under security agencies' protection or provide alternative transport arrangements. "This loss isn't borne by the rich but by the poor," a pilgrimage organiser told The Express Tribune on condition of anonymously. He questioned why the ban wasn't announced earlier during a recent trilateral meeting between Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq, where travel restrictions were discussed. During a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi briefed him on Balochistan's security situation and the new pilgrim policy. The prime minister directed for the initiation of the Gwadar Safe City project to enhance security in the region. Naqvi emphasised the need for better pilgrim management. Starting next year, he said, the pilgrims will only be allowed to travel under officially registered group organisers, with special embassy-issued visas required for independent travel. This system aims to curb illegal travel and overstaying issues. Meanwhile, Naqvi also visited Quetta and Azad Kashmir. In Quetta, he paid tribute to martyred soldiers at the Frontier Corps headquarters, praising their sacrifices in maintaining peace. Later, in Muzaffarabad, he met the family of Major Rab Nawaz, a martyred officer, and offered condolences.
