Aafia Siddiqui Won’t Be Abandoned, Says Info Minister Amid Global Appeals

ISLAMABAD: (Mudassar Iqbal): Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Monday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to securing justice for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, saying the government is extending full diplomatic and legal support in her case.

Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Tarar clarified that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s comments about Aafia were misunderstood and taken out of context. “Senator Dar has already explained himself — the matter is being distorted,” he added.

Tarar noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had met with Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, Aafia’s sister, and had formed a dedicated committee to pursue her case. “No past government has made such consistent efforts for Dr. Aafia as this one,” he said.

Ishaq Dar Clarifies Remarks on Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s Case, Says Statement Taken Out of Context

He also referenced the foreign minister’s visit to the U.S., where, during a talk at the Atlantic Council, he responded to a question about Imran Khan’s legal proceedings. Drawing a comparison to Aafia’s imprisonment, the minister said: “If her detention is the result of a legitimate legal process, the same standard should apply in Pakistan.”

On other issues, Tarar dismissed claims linking Ishaq Dar to the Sugar Advisory Board, calling it misinformation — a jab at former finance minister Miftah Ismail, who quit the PML-N in 2023.

Regarding cryptocurrency, Tarar said Pakistan had developed a clear regulatory framework, including a crypto council and legislative action. He criticized domestic voices undermining the policy, adding, “It seems Miftah Ismail is echoing India’s stance on crypto.”

Concluding, Tarar said some critics were “uncomfortable with Pakistan’s improving economy” and only supported progress “when they control the treasury.”