Pasban Democratic Party Chairman Altaf Shakoor has severely criticized the government’s handling of the Dr. Aafia Siddiqui case, describing this attitude as a neglect of state responsibility, based on delaying tactics and apathy, which is contrary to national honor.
Shakoor emphasized on Wednesday that despite the passage of many years, the absence of any clear, effective, and result-oriented plan for Dr. Siddiqui’s repatriation indicates that the matter is being deliberately delayed instead of being resolved seriously. He described her case as “extremely straightforward,” presenting her as an innocent Pakistani citizen whose protection is the constitutional responsibility of any government.
The PDP leader said that at present, the bureaucracy holds more powerful influence over state affairs than the elected government and its cabinet. He lamented that the government appears to be limited to just statements and formal proceedings and is failing to take any concrete action while the “daughter of the nation” endures the hardships of imprisonment.
He argued that instead of making continuous and strong efforts on all diplomatic, legal, and political levels, the government’s ambiguity has further complicated this national issue. He stated that this inaction is reinforcing the impression that the government is either unwilling to prioritize the case or is deliberately ignoring it.
Mr. Shakoor compared this to the prompt and effective actions other countries take for the release of their citizens, and described the Pakistani government’s attitude, based on promises and claims, as an “open mockery” of the nation’s sentiments and an escape from its fundamental responsibilities.
Consequently, Altaf Shakoor demanded that the case be decided purely on constitutional and legal grounds, free from any political or administrative pressure. He called upon state institutions to prioritize the requirements of justice, abandon delaying tactics, and pave the way for a swift, transparent, and fair decision.
He urged the government to immediately announce a clear and actionable strategy, take the public into confidence, and initiate practical steps for Dr. Siddiqui’s release. He concluded by warning that if the administration fails to fulfill its national and moral responsibility in this matter, history will judge it harshly.