ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court was informed on Friday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had written a letter to US President Joe Biden requesting pardon and release of Pakistani citizen Dr Aafia Siddiqui detained in an American prison.

The letter seeks clemency for the Pakistani neuroscientist, who has been serving an 86-year sentence in the US prison since 2010.

During the hearing, Addi­­tional Attorney Gen­eral Barrister Munawar Iqbal Duggal informed Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan about the letter.

Imran Shafiq, counsel for Dr Aafia’s sister, Dr Fawzia Siddiqui, was also present in the court.

The AAG said the PM had requested President Biden to pardon Dr Siddiqui on humanitarian grounds. The letter underscored Dr Siddiqui’s deteriorating mental and physical health, expressing concerns about her well-being during her incarceration at FMC Carswell, a federal medical centre in the US.

In his letter, the prime minister appealed for compassion, highlighting the long-standing relationship between Pakistan and the US. He referenced previous meetings with President Biden, expressing hope that the American leader would extend his friendship and understanding to Dr Aafia’s case.

“I have always found you to be a friend of Pakistan and its people,” the letter read. “As the prime minister, I feel a personal responsibility to intervene in this matter, and I request that you order her release on humanitarian grounds.”

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2024