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

Islamabad – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has clarified that his recent remarks regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui have been taken out of context. He affirmed that the government continues to extend full diplomatic and legal assistance in her case and will persist until the matter is resolved.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Ishaq Dar said that during his talk at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington, a reference to Dr. Siddiqui’s case was made while responding to a question about former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s detention. He emphasized that the comments were misinterpreted and taken out of their original context.

Dar reiterated that under all Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) governments, consistent efforts have been made to secure Dr. Siddiqui’s release through all available diplomatic and legal means, and those efforts will continue.

“Every country has its own legal and judicial procedures that must be respected — whether it’s Pakistan or the United States,” he said. He reaffirmed that the government’s stance on Dr. Siddiqui’s release is “clear and unequivocal.”

It’s worth noting that during the Atlantic Council event, Dar had stated that when someone takes up arms against the state, as seen in the May 9 incidents, the law must take its course. He had stressed that Pakistan’s legal process is ongoing and should not be politicized.

Drawing a comparison, he referenced Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s long incarceration in the U.S., saying that once a legal system reaches a conclusion, it must be respected — a principle that applies across the board.

The remarks sparked public debate, prompting Dar to issue this clarification to underline the government’s continued commitment to Dr. Siddiqui’s case.