AAFIA Siddiqui is a Pakistani neuroscientist and a convicted felon serving 86-year sentence in a US federal medical centre. There have been protests in every city of Pakistan over Aasia’s acquittal, but it is pathetic that nobody ever bothered to protest on such a large scale over Aafia’s conviction.

What double standards we have. People protested, demanding Aasia should be punished without bothering for Aafia. Everyone knows Aafia is innocent, and punished and tortured for a crime she never committed. As a Pakistani, I urge the government and citizens to do their best to get Aafia released, while accepting the acquittal of Aasia.

Shagufta Manzoor

Quetta

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2018