Karachi: Aafia Movement leader and noted neurophysician of the country Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui has paid rich tributes to the unsung heroes who have found tirelessly for the cause of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.
Addressing the Aafia Movement Convention and Award Ceremony at Tipu Sultan Hall on Sunday, she said: "We have gathered today to honor the unwavering spirit of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a shining star of Pakistan, and to pay tribute to the unsung heroes who've fought tirelessly for her freedom." She said Dr. Aafia, an educationist, a mother, a daughter of Pakistan has been imprisoned for 22 years for a crime she didn't commit. "Yet, her faith, her resilience, and her determination inspire us. We salute the brave volunteers, activists, and advocates who've stood by Aafia, despite challenges and obstacles. Your dedication is a testament to the power of humanity."
Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui appealed the Pakistani government and establishment that it's time to bring Aafia home. "She's a daughter of this nation, and it's our collective responsibility to secure her release." She said: Let us unite, let us march, let us raise our voices for Aafia's freedom. The world is watching, and history will judge our actions. She said as we stand at a very crucial point in the journey of Aafia's ordeal, when we have hope, we request those who are creating hurdles to stop doing so. "Enough is enough Aafia has endured worst forms of human torture."
Dr. Fowzia said Aafia's innocence has been proved beyond doubt, yet she remains locked up because those who swore to protect her have created blockages. She said the struggle will continue.
However, the American lawyer of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, Clive Stafford Smith, in his comments on the occasion said he is thankful to all who have worked tirelessly in this difficult case. He said the case of Dr Aafia is the most dreadful example amongst the cases of torture and highhandedness he had observed in last 25 years. He said no doubt Aafia Siddiqui is the most oppressed woman of the world. He said Dr. Aafia is also a rare personality having the most beautiful and strong support system of the world, including Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui and you all people. He said: I am grateful for yours these efforts.
He said he thinks that this year we all have to work even harder. He hoped that the year 2026 would witness the freedom of Aafia Siddiqui. He said presently her case in a New York court. He said we have a petition of 349 pages, supplemented by some 1000 supporting pages, which prove that she is innocent. She was kidnapped along with her children and also tortured. He said this is a strong case, sufficient to prove her innocence. He said moreover we also have a petition for her compassionate release, which states that in the attempt murder cases of last 40 years in USA federal courts, Dr. Aafia was handed almost the harshest sentence. Only one convict got harsher punishment then that of Dr. Aafia. He said even if she were guilty she didn't deserve this severe punishment, and as she is innocent mercy should be given to her.
He said he has already suggested to the prosecutors that if they agree we are ready to end this case at this stage. He said; however, even after this we have to seek his release from the jail and arrange financial resources so that she could get a proper medical assistance, of which she has been deprived for years. He said Dr. Aafia needs your support. She needs your letters to remind her of her courage and resilience. He said she needs our signature campaigns. She needs restoration of her basic rights. She also needs assistance from a Muslim Imam, for which Imam Omar Suleiman is fully ready, but he is not allowed to visit her in jail.
He said this year we all have a lot to do. He said before going to sleep please ask from yourself: today what I have done which could help doling out justice to Dr. Aafia. On the occasion, awards and shields were given to different personalities for their active role regarding the cause of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.
They include Abdul Hakim Quaid, President Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), Haleem Adil Sheikh ex-MPA PTI, Muhammad Zubair ex-Governor Sindh, Amina Masood Janjua Chairperson Defence of Human Rights, Alamgir Khan ex-MNA PTI, Sardar Mazhar ex-Nazim e Aala MSO Pakistan, Senator Talha Mehmood, Muhammad Ayub Coordinator Aafia Movement, Faizullah Khan journalist, Shafiq Ajmal founder Dars-e-Quran, S K Marwat President Sindh Chapter Aafia Movement, Dr Fowzia Siddiqui Chairperson Aafia Movement, Daniyal Abdullah chief organizer Pakistan Rights Movement, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, Muzaffar Ejaz senior journalist, Bilal Rabbani Information Secretary MSO, Altaf Shakoor Chairman PDP and others.
On the occasion, the entire crowd and thousands online pledged to #BringAafiaHome. Hundreds of volunteers signed a blood pact that they will continue to help #BringAafiHome. A unanimous resolution was passed. Shields and certificates were distributed and 3 special VIP passes for special meeting with Aafia on her return were raffled for which thousands participated.