Pakistan Seeks Presidential Pardon for Neuroscientist Aafia Siddiqui from U.S.

Islamabad—Pakistan has formally requested a presidential pardon for incarcerated neuroscientist Dr. Aafia Siddiqui from the United States, according to a statement made by Additional Attorney General Munawar Dogal during a hearing at the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

Speaking before a bench led by Justice Aijaz Ishaq, Dogal revealed that the Pakistani government has sent an official letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, seeking clemency for Dr. Siddiqui. The letter was penned by Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar as part of ongoing efforts to secure her release and repatriation to Pakistan.

Siddiqui, born in 1972 in Karachi, pursued higher education in the U.S. and earned a PhD in neuroscience from Brandeis University in 2001. Once recognized for her academic excellence and religious commitment, her life took a dramatic turn after being accused of involvement with extremist groups in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

In 2008, she was arrested in Ghazni, Afghanistan, under contentious circumstances. U.S. authorities accused Siddiqui of attempting to shoot American soldiers during an interrogation. Although no one was injured in the alleged incident, she was shot in the abdomen by U.S. personnel. In 2010, she was convicted in a U.S. court and sentenced to 86 years in prison, a verdict that has since sparked widespread debate and protest in Pakistan.

The Pakistani government’s latest diplomatic move underscores the country’s persistent efforts to bring Siddiqui back home, a matter of significant public and political interest.