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Dr Afia’s case to be raised on political level : PM
ISLAMABAD, Sept 24 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday assured the Senate that the government would take up Dr Afia’s case on political level with the United States (US), following her conviction by a US court, sentencing her for 86-year imprisonment. “We will take up Dr Afia’s case with the US administration on political level as was done with Saudi Arabia. We will use all channels for her repatriation,” said the Prime Minister addressing the Upper House of Parliament.He said after the US court gave its verdict on Dr Afia, he talked to the interior minister to look into as if there is any possibility of signing a treaty with the United States so that she may be brought back to Pakistan.
“The interior minister will apprise as treaty of what nature can be signed with the US. It should be in national interest so that it may not have any negative repercussions on national security as well as other citizens,” said the Prime Minister.
He said just a day before the court verdict, Dr Afia’s sister had met him and requested to do maximum for her release.
“And we did our best. Everyone used his influence. What stronger message could be than that both Houses of the Parliament adopted a unanimous resolution seeking her repatriation,” Gilani commented.
He said Dr Afia’s case did not take place during this tenure.
It happened in 2003. It was also controversial that whether she was arrested from Karachi or Afghanistan. It could only be disclosed by the then interior minister.
“I took up the case with every US congressional delegation, interior minister and foreign minister,” he said adding that such delegations interact with all political leadership so every one can raise the issue as collective responsibility,” the Prime Minister said.
The government had also provided $20 million as counsel fee for her release and both the Houses adopted a unanimous resolution in her support.
“I congratulate both the National Assembly and the Senate for adopting a resolution in her support. When I entered the House, treasury benches didn’t know whether to adopt or reject the resolution. Then I myself stood up and subsequently the whole House extended its support,” said the Prime Minister.
The US authorities, he said, have time and again been told that their assistance remains there but their perception can be enriched amongst public if Dr Afia is released.
“You should improve your perception, no matter if you reduce assistance. Instead of increasing the assistance, the release of Dr Afia may bring you more applause from public. It would be of no use if you increase assistance and do not take any step in which public is involved like Dr Afia,” he maintained.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk