ISLAMABAD, Sept 25 Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has termed the prison term awarded to Dr Aafia Siddiqui 'harsh' and 'unfortunate'.

Talking to CNN, the foreign minister pointed out that Dr Siddiqui was not given benefit of doubt. However, he said, “she does have a right to appeal. I'm sure her family and the government will consult and will think of going with the appeal”.

Mr Qureshi said the sentence had sparked anger in Pakistan, where “people have protested, people have demonstrated. Many people feel that she is innocent and she was framed and she should have got a fairer chance.”

“Pakistanis also understand the government did its best, and we have our limitations. There is due process of law and we have to stay within the process. But there is a disappointment and that has been expressed on the streets of Pakistan.”

Dr Siddiqui was sentenced to 86 years of imprisonment by a US federal court.—APP