IHC Bar writes to US President for Dr Aafia's release

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Bar Association wrote a letter to the US President seeking a pardon for Dr Aafia Siddiqui.

The President of the IHC Bar, Riyasat Ali Azad, wrote an open letter to US President Joe Biden, a copy of which has also been sent to the leaders of the Aafia Movement.

The text of the letter stated that as a lawyer, he has studied the case of Dr Aafia and her plight is alarming. Dr Aafia’s case represents one of the saddest tragedies in history and there were serious violations of human rights in it.

The text of the letter written by the Bar President further stated that the rules and regulations and the law were ignored until the initial detention and trial and concerns of bias were expressed several times during the trial. The medical record also shows alarming physical and mental torture during detention.

In the letter, he wrote that Carseville Jail also has a disturbing history in this regard, which increases the concern. Many leaders, including former Prime Minister Yusaf Raza Gilani, called Dr Aafia the daughter of the nation. Dr. Aafia tolerated such treatment and behavior, which is contrary to American traditions.

He further said in the letter to the US President that Dr Aafia was kept away from meeting her family and children. Such measures are against basic human rights and the rights of prisoners.

The US state has long been opposed to violence against women and children, yet Dr Aafia was treated like this. These contradictions can lead to the discrediting of America worldwide regarding moral and legal principles.

The President of the IHC Bar wrote that the role of lawyers in the formation of justice and sovereignty in America is commendable. The majority of great American leaders were lawyers who built a great nation for constitutional principles and justice. I request you to consider pardoning Dr Aafia on the basis of humanitarian sympathy.