THE case of Dr Aafia Siddiqui continues to raise serious concerns about human rights and justice for both Pakistan and the international community. In 2008, she was arrested on unsubstantiated allegations and has been reportedly subjected to torture during detention, serving an 86-year sentence in the United States.

Every now and then, there is a glimmer of hope that something might help make sanity prevail, but nothing much happens. This is despite the fact that many human rights organisations have documented her hardships and prolonged detainment. The international community should continue to advocate for Aafia’s release.

Fatima Khalid
Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2024