News
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Govt chalks out strategy for Aafia’s repatriation
ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday chalked out a strategy, including legal and political efforts for Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s repatriation. It decided to form a committee comprising representatives of ministries of foreign affairs, law and interior to look into the matter. In addition to this, a delegation of women parliamentarians would be sent to the US to seek her release. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani reiterated his government’s commitment to bringing Dr Aafia back. Observing that she was taken away during previous government’s rule, Gilani said his government had highlighted the issue at every level with the US government. He said the government had sanctioned $2 million as legal aid for Dr Aafia to contest her case. The prime minister lauded Interior Minister Rehman Malik’s efforts for recovery of her two children. Acting on Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s directives to use all ways and means for Dr Aafia’s repatriation, Malik convened a high-level meeting on Friday to look into the matter. It considered all aspects of US court’s decision and decided to form a committee comprising representatives of the ministries of foreign affairs, law and interior to find ways to get Dr Aafia repatriated. The committee will also include two eminent lawyers to suggest legal action for her release. It will also examine the possibility of filing an appeal against the conviction and hiring of a US lawyer for this purpose. The meeting decided that a multi-party delegation of women parliamentarians would be sent to the US to meet officials and politicians. The delegation would try to sensitise the US government and civil society on the issue. staff report
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk