Imran Khan urges Pak Govt. to take concrete action for Aafia’s release
By ANISunday, February 7, 2010
LAHORE - : Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan has urged the government to seriously pursue the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who was recently indicted by a US court on terrorism charges, and take concrete step to ensure her safe return to the country.
Speaking during a seminar here, Khan criticised the Gilani government for not doing enough to save Aafia.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief blamed Pakistan’s current leadership for being ’slaves to the dollar government’.
Meanwhile, under intense pressure and growing public criticism, the Foreign Office has decided to hire new law firm to defend Aafia in the court of law.
President Asif Ali Zardari has already assured Aafia’s family of all legal and financial help.
It is pertinent to mention here that the government has already spent one million US dollar to hire three lawyers, who failed to defend Aafia during hearing in a Manhattan court.
The legal experts were picked by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Hussain Haqqani, who, according to many in the country, also failed to get support from the Obama administration in the issue.
According to sources, Aafia’s family is likely to challenge Afghan police’ report that was considered by the US court as a base to declare the Pakistani neuroscientist guilty on all accounts.
Various human rights organizations and legal experts have also expressed their concern over the authenticity of the Afghan police’ report. (ANI)
