Pak chalks out strategy for Dr. Aafia’s repatriation from US prison

ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan government has reportedly chalked out a strategy, including legal and political efforts, for Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s repatriation from a US prison.

A federal court in Manhattan on Thursday had sentenced Dr. Siddiqui to 86 years imprisonment for the attempted murder of US officers in Afghanistan.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik called an urgent meeting on Friday to look into the matter.

According to The Daily Times, in the meeting, it was decided to constitute a ministerial committee, including two eminent lawyers, to suggest legal action for securing her release.

Further, a delegation of women parliamentarians would be sent to Washington to meet officials and politicians and try to sensitise the US government and civil society on the issue.

The committee would also examine the possibility of filing an appeal against the conviction and hiring of a US lawyer for this purpose.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that his government had highlighted the issue at every level with the US government and is committed to Dr Aafia back to the country.

He said the government had sanctioned 2 million dollars as legal aid for Dr Aafia to contest her case. (ANI)