A big protest demo was held in front of FMC Carswell jail, in which Dr Aafia Siddiqui is detained, demanding her immediate release. The protesters asked the outgoing US President to pardon Dr Siddiqui on humanitarian grounds.
They said Aafia is an innocent victim of so-called war on terror and now she should be released.However, Senator Muhammad Talha, a member of the delegation, spoke exclusively to The Media Line from Dallas, describing the meeting with Dr. Aafia Siddiqui as “encouraging.” He expressed hope that US President Joe Biden might grant her a pardon. “There comes a time when an outgoing president pardons manly individuals.” Senator Talha told The Media Line “Currently, President Biden has over 60 pardon requests, including Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s. We hope her request will be prioritized, and the President will kindly consider it.”
Talha added that the delegation held multiple meetings with US senators, high-ranking State Department officials, and local community leaders. “We also collaborated with the organization ICNA, which provided significant support in this matter,” he noted.
The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) in Dallas is part of a national grassroots organization dedicated to serving the Muslim community in North America. Established in 1968, ICNA focuses on self-development, education, outreach, and social services, with its Dallas chapter offering a wide range of programs and services. Dr. Siddiqui, according to Senator Talha, expressed her deepest concern about her continued imprisonment and longing for her family. “She has already served 16 years, well beyond the 10-year sentence typically given for attempted murder in the US.
She is missing her children, parents, and relatives, and her primary wish is to be freed from prison,” he said.Senator Talha Mahmood emphasized the significant global impact of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release, especially on the Muslim community, asserting that her release would serve as a powerful symbol of America’s dedication to both justice and compassion. He expressed optimism, saying, “God willing, Dr. Aafia will be released soon and will return to Pakistan to live a life of dignity and respect with her children.”
