Clemency Petition for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui Submitted to the White House
Community sources confirmed that the clemency petition had been officially submitted to the White House.

WASHINGTON: A clemency petition seeking the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist serving an 86-year sentence in the United States, has been formally submitted to the White House. Advocates are urging U.S. President Joe Biden to consider granting her release before his term concludes on January 20, 2025.
The petition comes after a Pakistani delegation, led by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, traveled to Washington to advocate for Siddiqui’s release on humanitarian grounds. The delegation, which included Senator Talha Mehmood and psychiatrist Dr. Iqbal Afridi, met with U.S. lawmakers such as Congressman Jim McGovern, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and Senator Chris Van Hollen. They also held discussions with Elizabeth Horst, the U.S. principal deputy assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia.
The delegation’s visit was prompted by a directive from the Islamabad High Court, urging them to engage with U.S. officials on Siddiqui’s case. During their visit, they emphasized the urgency of the clemency request and explored potential legal avenues for her release.
Community sources confirmed that the clemency petition had been officially submitted to the White House. One source expressed hope that President Biden would make a decision before the transfer of power to the incoming administration led by Donald Trump.
Additionally, the delegation visited Dr. Siddiqui at the Federal Medical Centre, Carswell, in Fort Worth, Texas, where she is incarcerated. Senator Talha Mehmood described the meeting as “encouraging,” expressing optimism that Siddiqui’s case could be prioritized among the numerous pardon requests on Biden’s desk. He called for compassion in considering her situation.
The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), a U.S.-based organization, has expressed support for the delegation’s efforts. The visit is part of a larger diplomatic push led by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who has previously urged President Biden to grant clemency to Dr. Siddiqui, citing concerns over her deteriorating health.
Read More: High-Level Delegation Approved for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s Case
Dr. Siddiqui, born in Karachi, moved to the U.S. in 1990 on a student visa and earned a doctorate in neuroscience. She was convicted in 2010 for terrorism-related activities after a controversial trial that sparked widespread protests in Pakistan. Many in Pakistan view her as a symbol of resistance against perceived injustice.
Political analysts, such as Michael Kugelman from the Woodrow Wilson Center, have suggested that Siddiqui’s case may take on political significance, especially as the Trump administration may face pressure from supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to negotiate her release.