ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially requested a presidential pardon for neuroscientist Aafia Siddiqui, who is currently incarcerated in the United States.
Munawar Dogal, the additional attorney general, informed the Islamabad High Court that a letter seeking Dr. Aasifa Siddiqui’s presidential pardon has been sent to the U.S. president.
Justice Aijaz Ishaq of the Islamabad High Court was hearing the case related to Dr. Siddiqui’s repatriation.
Born in Karachi in 1972 to an educated family, Aafia Siddiqui earned a PhD in neuroscience from Brandeis University in 2001. Known for her academic achievements and strong religious commitment, her life changed dramatically after she was accused of links to “extremist organizations” following the 9/11 attacks.
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A U.S. citizen of Pakistani descent, Dr. Siddiqui was reportedly kidnapped along with her three children in 2003 and imprisoned by U.S. forces at Bagram prison, notorious for its brutal treatment of detainees. She faced charges related to an incident where she allegedly attempted to shoot American soldiers during an interrogation, which became central of her case.
Dr. Siddiqui was deported to the U.S. from Bagram, with her trial commencing on January 19, 2010. Just two weeks later, she was convicted and sentenced to 86 years in prison by a federal court.
U.S. authorities claimed that, while in custody, she managed to grab a rifle and fire it, although no one was injured in the incident. During the commotion, she was shot in the abdomen by U.S. personnel, resulting in serious injuries.
After two decades in jail, Aafia’s sister, Fowzia Siddiqui, was allowed and finally met her in May 2023.
