News Desk |
Just before Prime Minister Imran Khan headed to the US, the mother of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist jailed in the US for almost a decade, has written an open letter to PM Khan urging him to help free her daughter from US captivity.
The open letter from Ismat Siddiqui, Dr Aafia’s mother, has surfaced before PM Khan’s scheduled visit to the US where he will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington.
Open Letter to PM Imran Khan from Ismat Siddiqui
Grieving mother of Dr Aafia Siddiqui@ImranKhanPTI
@ArifAlvi
@PTIofficial
@SMQureshiPTI
@ShireenMazari1 pic.twitter.com/KVAwIuVzCt— AafiaMovement (@Aafiamovement) July 19, 2019
Dr Aafia Siddiqui is languishing in a US jail after a US court had sentenced her to 86 years in prison in early 2010 on charges of attempted murder and assault stemming from an incident with US authorities in Afghanistan. She had denied the charges.
Read more: Dr. Fowzia voices out support for Aafia Siddiqui
In the letter, Geo News reported that Ismat has stated: “Surely, I do not need to remind you of how I am suffering, as the unjust captivity of the daughter of Pakistan is indeed as near and dear to your heart as mine. With due respect and a sad heart filled with new hope, I humbly request you to please help save my daughter Dr Aafia, whose name is now synonymous with the dignity and honor of Pakistan.”
While addressing the premier as “my dear son” and “my son” the grieving and ailing mother continued: “Your visit to US and meeting with President Trump is a new ray of hope for Pakistanis and myself that you will not only demand the release of your sister Aafia but do so with a resolve only true leaders can.”
“My Son Imran Khan, need I remind you of our phone conversations? You are a ray of hope in this bleak time of uncertainty. My son, I am sure you agree that bringing Aafia back home is a singularly most important issue that not only raises the status of every Pakistani, it shows the world that when it comes to our honor and our daughters, we are no longer daughter sellers.
Read more: Shirin Mazari commits to bring back Aafia Siddiqui
Now Imran Khan is here to show we are a Nation of principle and dignity,” she said. “India will rise to highest levels for a terrorist just because he is theirs, America will take back Killers like Raymond Davis, why should we not stand for our innocent daughter? Aafia killed no one, she stands for love and peace, and regards you a great hero,” she said, adding “Please, all I ask just allow a dying mother embrace her daughter and children reunite to pick up the pieces and have some closure.”
PM @ImranKhanPTI has spoken several times regarding the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. PM is going to visit USA on 21st and would meet @POTUS on 22nd this month. He must ask US authorities regarding release of Aafia Siddiqui. #PakistanAwaitsAafia
Cc. @SMQureshiPTI (FM)— Bilawal Sarwar (@BigBroBHA) July 16, 2019
“My health is ailing and I am becoming weaker as the days have turned into years, but I keep hope in Allah and the Quran, that a savior like you will rise, for Allah has bestowed on you the power to resolve this issue. Please bring back my daughter as a dying mother’s mercy plea. Have the courage in your heart to take a firm stance. Insha’Allah Pakistan will rise victorious and dignified. May the guidance of Allah be with you,” she concluded.