Biden Rejects Aafia Siddiqui’s Clemency Plea
Former US President Joe Biden has denied Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s mercy petition, as revealed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday. The petitioner’s lawyer, Imran Shafiq, also informed the court that the United States had turned down a proposed prisoner swap arrangement with Pakistan.
IHC Hearing Highlights Lack of Progress
During the court proceedings, headed by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted a report in response to the court’s queries regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release and return to Pakistan. However, it was noted that the Pakistani ambassador in the US had not attended meetings related to her case.
Justice Sardar Ejaz expressed concern over the lack of progress, criticizing the US administration for not showing consideration for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani citizen. The judge compared Biden’s pardoning of his son’s sentence to the denial of clemency for Dr. Aafia, questioning the disparity in treatment.
Background of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s Case
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case dates back to 2003 when she disappeared with her children in Karachi after the capture of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM), the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. Siddiqui, who was reportedly married to KSM’s nephew, earned the moniker “Lady Al-Qaeda” due to alleged connections with the terrorist organization.
In 2008, she was arrested in Afghanistan with sodium cyanide and plans for attacks on US targets. During interrogation, Siddiqui allegedly tried to grab a US soldier’s rifle and shoot agents, resulting in her being wounded. She later displayed signs of severe mistreatment.
Siddiqui was convicted of attempted murder in the US in 2010 and sentenced to 86 years, despite never being directly charged with terrorism. While one of her children was released in Afghanistan, the whereabouts of her other two children remain unknown.
Deliberations Adjourned for Two Weeks
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) adjourned the hearing on Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case for two weeks, with further discussions expected to address the lack of progress and the denial of clemency by Joe Biden. The court’s decision will have significant implications for Siddiqui’s future and her potential return to Pakistan.
