US President Joe Biden Rejects Clemency Plea for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, Islamabad High Court Told
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was informed on Thursday that former US President Joe Biden rejected a clemency plea for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist serving an 86-year sentence in a US prison. The hearing was part of a case filed by Dr. Siddiqui’s sister, Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, seeking her repatriation to Pakistan.
Petitioner’s counsel, Imran Shafiq, revealed that the United States refused a proposed prisoner exchange agreement with Pakistan. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan presided over the hearing, where Dr. Fauzia and her US attorney Clive Smith joined via video link. An additional attorney general (AAG) also attended the proceedings.
Lack of Progress and Diplomatic Concerns
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted a report detailing its efforts, including information on the prime minister and foreign minister’s foreign visits. However, it was disclosed that the Pakistani ambassador in the US had not participated in meetings concerning Dr. Aafia’s case, prompting Justice Sardar Ejaz to express disappointment over the lack of progress.
“The US is showing us our worth,” the judge remarked, criticizing the lack of results and highlighting President Biden’s decision to pardon his own son’s sentence while denying clemency to a Pakistani citizen.
The IHC adjourned the hearing for two weeks, urging more proactive steps to resolve the matter.
Background of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s Case
Dr. Siddiqui was sentenced in 2010 on charges of attempted murder and assault on US personnel during her detention in Afghanistan. She is currently serving her sentence at the high-security Carswell prison in Fort Worth, Texas.
In recent years, Pakistan has repeatedly urged the US to reconsider her case. In October 2024, the federal government informed the IHC that a delegation was being sent to meet Dr. Siddiqui and advocate for her release. The delegation, which included Senators Bushra Anjum and Talha Mahmood, as well as psychiatrist Dr. Iqbal Afridi, held hours-long meetings with Dr. Siddiqui in prison.
During the meetings, Dr. Siddiqui shared the hardships of her incarceration but expressed hope for justice and faith in divine mercy, according to Senator Bushra.
Efforts for Repatriation
The Pakistani delegation reportedly appealed to US officials to grant her release on humanitarian grounds, with some members of Congress showing support. However, the request for her release was ultimately rejected by others in Washington, leading to the latest denial of clemency.
The Pakistani government has faced criticism for its handling of the case, with calls for more assertive diplomatic efforts to secure Dr. Siddiqui’s release.
