Hundreds of volunteers pledged with their blood to continue the struggle for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui at a convention held on Sunday under the Aafia Movement, where her US lawyer Clive Smith expressed hope that she could be released in 2026. A unanimous resolution was also passed at the Aafia Movement Volunteer Convention and Awards Ceremony, demanding her return to Pakistan.
Addressing the ceremony at a local hall, neurophysician and chairperson of the Aafia Movement Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui paid tribute to the “unsung heroes” of the campaign. “We are gathered today to pay tribute to the steadfastness of Pakistan’s shining star, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, and to honor the unsung heroes who have tirelessly struggled for her freedom,” she said.
Dr. Fowzia described her sister as an academic and a daughter of Pakistan who has been imprisoned for 22 years for a crime she claims she did not commit. Appealing to the Pakistani government and establishment to ensure her sister’s return, she said, “The time has come to bring Aafia home. She is a daughter of this nation, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure her release.”
She expressed determination that the campaign would continue, alleging that Dr. Aafia’s innocence had been proven but her continued imprisonment was “due to the obstacles created by those who had sworn to protect her.”
Addressing the convention online, Dr. Aafia’s American lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith, described the case as “the most horrific example of torture in the last 25 years.” He expressed hope for a positive outcome, stating that “the year 2026 will witness the freedom of Aafia Siddiqui.”
Mr. Smith detailed the current legal efforts, mentioning a 349-page petition filed in a New York court, supported by nearly 1,000 additional pages, which he claims proves her innocence and details her alleged abduction and torture. He described it as “a strong case, sufficient to prove her innocence.”
The lawyer also mentioned a separate application for compassionate release, arguing that Dr. Aafia received an almost unprecedentedly harsh sentence in attempted murder cases in US federal courts over the past four decades. He added that he has proposed to the prosecutors to drop the case and that arrangements would be necessary for her release and medical care.
Mr. Smith called for public support through letters, a signature campaign, and efforts to restore her fundamental rights, including access to a Muslim Imam, which he said she has been denied. He urged the audience, “Please ask yourselves: what have I done today that can help bring justice to Dr. Aafia?”
The event concluded with an award ceremony to honor personalities who have played a role in the Aafia cause. The recipients included former Sindh Governor Mohammad Zubair, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, Senator Talha Mahmood, and other political figures, activists, and journalists from various organizations.