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Posts tagged with: Afia Siddiqui
Oct 27, 2008    |       6 comments

Open letter to Obama & McCain by Amina Masood Janjua

The News, Sunday, October 26, 2008

Dear Barak Obama and John McCain,

Whichever one of you wins this election, I wish you success and I hope from the depths of my heart that you will transform the image of America into what it should be. I pray that you are able to show the true face of America to the rest of the world — a face which reflects the values of your ordinary citizens, many of whom I met in a recent trip abroad and which was an eye-opener for me.

I was invited by Amnesty International to visit member states of the EU, the UK and the US on a speaking tour in August/September 2008, to meet politicians, parliamentarians and ordinary citizens, and to convey to them the agony and torment that hundreds of other family members, including myself, of ‘enforced disappeared persons’ are going through. I was amazed that many of the people I met had no idea about this burning issue; of the illegal abductions, the detention of these persons in so-called ‘safe houses’, the torture they are subjected to and the fact that they are denied the right to a fair trial. I was touched by the sympathy and promises of moral and any other support that they could offer in order to relieve us of this ongoing pain.
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Oct 12, 2008    |       17 comments

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui speaks out

By Khurram Ali Shafique also managing About Aafia Blog

At last a word has come out from Dr. Aafia Siddiqui herself about her travails. On Tuesday, October 6, four Pakistani senators met her in Texas but unfortunately their account has not been properly covered in many news reports. One exception is Daily Times, whose correspondent Khalid Hasan has given a remarkably detailed account of what Aafia told the senators in a meeting which lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes.

ACCORDING TO HER:

  1. She was on her way to the Karachi airport in 2003 with her children when she was taken. She remembers being given an injection and when she came to she was in a cell.
  2. She was being brainwashed by men who spoke perfect English. They could be Afghan or others. She did not think they were Pakistanis.
  3. She was being forced to admit things she had allegedly done. She was made to sign statements, some of which included information on phone calls she was said to have made.
  4. She has been tortured (but she provided no details).
  5. She was told by her captors that if she did not co-operate, her children would suffer (two of them are still missing).
  6. She said she did not know where her children were and it was not clear if they had been with her during her captivity.
  7. The assault case against her has no basis in fact.
  8. She expressed her lack of confidence in the court hearing her case and the US legal system.
  9. She said she didn’t trust the two lawyers who are representing her.

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Sep 21, 2008    |       9 comments

Presidential speech, is he stalling everything or truly bringing reconciliation the soil, a critical analysis

Guest Blog by Amjad Malik

20th September 2008, ‘Land mark’ presidential speech to the joint session of the Parliament was overshadowed by a quick reminder of the menace of terrorism in the form of an explosive terrorist attack at Marriott Hotel, Islamabad which took over fifty three lives and scores were injured. This condemnable attack not only highlighted the kind of danger Pakistan is facing, the war of top security agencies in the region and on its soil, and the loss of many lives & families which are unaccounted during this on going struggle in order to find viable answers how to secure sustainable peace and calm to the region and in return to the world in general. So far no one has found the right key to success in this ongoing onslaught. Pakistan is caught between rock and hard place, on one side US anger over poor performance and asking them to do more, and if they do, the sheer resentment over foreign policy is visible by outlawed networks and Jihadists and expressed by the sophisticatedly hit targets which are normally pro West outlets. In Pakistan these suicidal attacks have crossed a century in number in only last 1 ½ years though this individual Non NATO ally is at the brink of facing the wrath in the form of unitarily inside strikes by the super power for their lack of will and action despite losing over 1000 soldiers at the rear border at Durand line. High value target though is missed by inches each time, but this faulty intelligence is causing an increase the collateral damage day by day, and that is the sad other side of the multi colour story full of blood.
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Sep 15, 2008    |       19 comments

Dr. Aafia’s son handed over to Pakistan

It is being reported that the Afghanistan government has handed over the custody of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s eldest son Ahmed Siddiqui to the Pakistani Ambassador in Kabul

Dawn.com: Under the presidential order of Hamid Karzai, we hand over Ali Hassan (?), 12, to Pakistan authorities,’ Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman, Sultan Ahmad Baheen, told reporters during a ceremony in Kabul. ‘We hope this step should symbolize friendly ties with our neighboring nation Pakistan,’ he said.

The only anomaly or an accidental typographical error is found in Dawn.com’s report where they have extensively used the name of Ali Hassan as the son of Aafia Siddiqui, which to my best knowledge is not the case, dawn.com goes on endlessly to an extent quoting officials using that name as well. I suspect this to be a minor typographical error and nothing but.

That said we must celebrate the release of this young child and hope that he recovers soon and resumes his normal childhood with the hope that one day he might meet his mother who is undergoing a criminal trial in the United States of America which appears to be a long drawn out battle, if she is innocent then we hope that she might return home safely to her kids

Sep 11, 2008    |       2 comments

Lost war and a lost cause

By: Amjad Malik

On the anniversary of tragic events of September 11, the statements of both Pakistan and US armed officers are frightening for Asia. New York Times reported today that ‘President Bush secretly approved orders in July that for the first time to allow American Special Operations forces to carry out ground assaults inside Pakistan without the prior approval of the Pakistani government’. The article reported that the American commanders in Afghanistan have complained bitterly that militants use sanctuaries in Pakistan to attack American troops in Afghanistan. He said that “I’m not convinced we’re winning it in Afghanistan,” However, Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday. “I am convinced we can.” Toward that goal, Admiral Mullen said he had ordered a comprehensive military strategy to address the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The commando raid last week and an increasing number of recent missile strikes are part of a more aggressive overall American campaign in the border region aimed at intensifying attacks on Al Qaeda and the Taliban in the waning months of the Bush administration, with less than two months to go before November elections.
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Sep 5, 2008    |       18 comments

Dr. Aafia Indicted on Murder Charges but No Terrorism Charge

A US court on Tuesday announced the indictment of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui for allegedly attacking US agents who went to interrogate her after she was arrested by local police in Afghanistan. 

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui faces

  1. One count of attempting to kill US nationals abroad;
  2. One count of attempting to kill US officers and employees;
  3. One count of armed assault of US officers and employees;
  4. One count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and
  5. Three counts of assault of US officers and employees.

If convicted, Siddiqui faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on each of the attempted murder and armed assault charges; life in prison on the firearm charge; and eight years in prison on each of the remaining assault charges

Interestingly the U.S. intelligence officials have told Pakistani officials in past weeks that there is coercive evidence in their possession linking the Pakistani scientist to terrorism and Al Qaeda, surprisingly no such charge has been brought against her

Daily Times also adds two possible reasons for this: “one that the prosecution is fairly confident that it can obtain a conviction without charging her with terrorism; and, two, that the prosecution does not want to disclose information that would have had to be made public were Siddiqui to be charged with terrorism.” – truly this is hogwash B.S
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Sep 5, 2008    |       6 comments

The victory of ‘US lead war against terror’: on US judicial system and human rights

Guest Blog by Silence from Islamabad Observer

A United States court Thursday found American-educated Pakistani doctor Aafia Siddiqi guilty on charges to attack U.S army in Afghanistan as a member of Al-Qaeda, said a statement released from US court. This statement is a declaration of the first defeat of United States judicial system in so-called war on terror. Although, many of the citizens of civilized world and United States might not consider it of any importance, as, this is a case of a lady from third world country, who is accused of being related to terrorists.

Dr. Afia Siddiqui, a PhD degree holder, was arrested by Pakistani intelligence agencies while on her way to the Rawalpindi airport and she was later handed over to the American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). At the time of her arrest she was 30 years and accompanied by her three sons the oldest of which was four and the youngest only one month.

On December 30, 2003 Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, Dr. Afia’s elder sister met with Mr. Faisal Saleh Hayat (the then minister of interior) at Islamabad with Mr. Ejazul Haq, MNA, regarding the whereabouts of Dr. Afia. Mr. Faisal told Dr. Fowzia and Mr. Ejazul Haq that according to his information Dr. Afia Siddiqui had already been released by ISI and that she (Dr. Fowzia) should go home and wait for a phone call from her sister. Later, the Minister of interior confirmed her arrest on terrorism charges during his interview with a local weekly, “You will be astonished to know about the activities of Dr. Afia” the Minister claimed.
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Aug 28, 2008    |       13 comments

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui – send Postcards / Letters / Pictures & Books

Dr. Afia Siddiqui’s lawyer, Elizabeth Fink, held a press conference recently. The legal team remains very worried about Afia’s physical and psychological condition. The struggle to get her a fair trial continues. Meanwhile, the legal team suggests one small way that we can support Afia – by sending letters/postcards of support to her.

Details on where to send letters/postcards:

AAFIA SIDDIQUI #90279-054
MDC BROOKLYN
METROPOLITAN DETENTION CENTER
P.O. BOX 329002
USA

Please note that all mail WILL be opened and read by the U.S. government. Please do NOT discuss her case, the charges against her, where she has been for the past 5 years, her children, family health matters – and do not ask her to discuss these things with you.
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Aug 24, 2008    |       16 comments

Video – Aafiya Siddiqui and Her Son’s Interrogation

[youtube]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=23yT7soyV48[/youtube]

The video, obtained by Cageprisoners shows the media conference following the ‘arrest’ of a woman and a teenager identified by Afghan police as Saliha and Ali Ihsan. The US allege that this is Aafia Siddiqui and her 12 year old son, Ahmad.

Aafia Siddiqui was extradited to the US on 4th August 2008 on charges of attempted murder and assault. She denies the charges and claims to have been held in US custody since her disappearance in March 2003.

Her son Ahmad remains in Afghan custody. The whereabouts of her two other children, missing for 5 years remain unknown.

Aug 21, 2008    |       4 comments

Double Standards : General Musharraf does not need a safe passage, he merely needs a fair trial

Guest Blog by Amjad Malik

18th August resignation of General (rtd) Pervez Musharraf was the first good thing he has done in many years believing ‘Pakistan first’. Nation was jubilant, lawyers at peace and media calmly letting him go, however, political classes are still unsure on how to manipulate the maximum advantage to this joyful experience. Testing nuclear in a tit for tat was seen as the most memorable and historic event when the nation was overjoyed, but the announcement of ‘Kala Bagh dam’ followed by freezing foreign assets divided public opinion so as the mind of investor as the timing of both was wrong. Similarly ouster of President from his occupation of top slot is a favourite moment to start a new Pakistan, but political forces never could learn to manipulate and multiply nation’s happiness just by feeling the pulse. People wishes the accountability of the man who ruined the institutions, damaged the federation, created distrust amongst provinces and above all endangered the national security of Pakistan. What stops this man to be on trial is the weaknesses of our elite rulers. Of course west would wish to allow this man to go scot free as using his 9 years experience or alternately bringing him to face the court of law would both advantage Pakistan as a state, which they would not wish. Musharraf’s safe exit would keep him safe for future for his masters alone, not for the country.

Its ironic when we compare with what Mark Layall Grant a former British envoy did in order to ease the sufferings of Pakistani President to the very treatment his country gives to its own notorious. In his own land, Ministers are brought to justice and accountability before Parliament indiscriminately without fail. A few glimpses will suffice to give full picture. Their General Oliver Cromwell was tried after his death in 1661 for overthrowing Parliament. In autumn 1660 parliament ordered the exhumation and posthumous execution of several regicides and in January 1661 Westminster Abbey was searched for the remains of Oliver Cromwell and others. Three corpses were duly produced and conveyed to Tyburn, where they were hanged and his body was left at the public place for years as an example.
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Aug 17, 2008    |       4 comments

Chasing a dream called Independence

Guest Post by Maham Ali: Initially shared on Facebook

On August 14th, the Pakistani nation celebrated Pakistan’s 61st birthday. Just like any other Independence day, green and white flags were fluttering everywhere, young children- mercifully oblivious to the worst ever crisis Pakistan is going through-were seen running and waving the flags of Pakistan, shouting slogans and singing national songs.

As I sat watching the news about this young Pakistani woman, Dr Afia Siddiqui, who is one of the many people sold to the Americans by our very own Government (refer to page 237 of Pervez Musharraf’s book, ‘In the Line of Fire’), I wondered what Independence means to an individual and a nation.

Independence! To me, this word means freedom: freedom of speech, freedom to think freely, a safe place, free from the tyranny of dictators and corrupt politicians. The Declaration of Independence means that such a nation could form and be prosperous.
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Aug 12, 2008    |       16 comments

Dr. Aafia has not ‘yet’ recieved medical attention, but will get it in 24hrs

Today at a court hearing in New York a frail looking Dr. Aafia appeared in a wheel chair, this was probably the first time she was seen publicly and a group of Pakistani supporters awaited to greet her. The hearing was initially scheduled to discuss bail as planned but her lawyers said she was in dire need of medical care and surprisingly has not yet been examined let alone seek attention for her wounds. So much for the notion of having basic Human Rights in America

“She is complaining of abdominal pain. She understands she lost part of an intestine,” Siddiqui had large stitches down her torso from major surgery and may be suffering from internal bleeding. The lead lawyer on her team, Elizabeth Fink, [appealed to the judge saying] “She has been here, judge, for one week and she has not seen a doctor, even though they (U.S. authorities) know she has been shot.” – Reuters

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Aug 12, 2008    |       5 comments

Lahore: Joint Protest against arrest of Dr. Aafia

Lahore Protest
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Outside Governor house, Lahore


RSVP Facebook Event

The Student Action Committee have joined hands with other Lahore based organizations to host a protest at the Governor House in Lahore on 12th August at 6:00pm, if you are in Lahore do join them and be a part of the voice that appeals to the world to release Dr. Aafia from her captors who are actually running a War OF Terror.

Our appeal is simple, Free Aafia and return her to Pakistan safely along with her three missing children

Aug 11, 2008    |       34 comments

Rumor Mill: Dr. Aafia’s missing children possibly linked with Bilal Musharraf

The Rumor Mill series on this blog is basically based on a number of tips that have been heard or received by this scribe in someway or another, as customary of Pakistani politics the grapevine reports tend to carry a lot of weight. Problem with these grapevine reports is that it can very well be just another hoax or a scam, so one does have to swallow the pill, aggregating all the necessary information trying ones best to figure out the truth.

Late last night I received a tip from a trusted source about Dr. Aafia’s missing children and I quote

Some reliable sources believed that Dr. Afia’s both children are being brought up at an Edhi Home in Karachi, it is rumored that two days ago Bilal Musharraf came to Karachi for a visit and met with Abdus Sattar Edhi for inquiring about the latest status of these children which had been handed over by Bilal for shelter. Sources reveal that Bilal Musharraf was part of the location and abduction of Dr. Aafia. It is also reported that maybe one of the youngest infant may have died in custody

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Aug 11, 2008    |       17 comments

Reference Against Pervaiz [pre-draft]

I share a pre-draft document prepared by the PPP to use as a reference against Pervaiz Musharraf, it was initially forwarded to me via an extremely trusted source to hold in confidence, but we very soon discovered that this same document had been uncovered elsewhere. The pre-draft of references that will most likely be filed against Pervaiz Musharraf are outlined in detail by Senator M. Enver Baig along with his comments, it is quite possible that some changed might take place before its final acceptance but we share only to give our readers an idea as to what basic issues will the PPP use to plan its attack against Pervaiz Musharraf.

Senator M. Enver Baig: Pervaiz & his colleagues keep saying that no body is above law. True, we agree. When references can be filed against the Chief Justice of Pakistan, certainly there should be a way to file the references against Pervaiz too! So far whosoever had tried to file these references, the courts were unable to consider these because instead of Pakistan’s constitution and law, the honorable courts are forced to follow Pervaizee Law which says that he is above the law and the constitution. Obviously this is NOT an acceptable position. We will like to file following references against Pervaiz for:

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