Pakistan Requests Pardon for Aafia Siddiqui

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially requested a presidential pardon from U.S. President Joe Biden for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned in the U.S. for attempted murder and assault on U.S. personnel. This request was disclosed during a hearing at the Islamabad High Court, where the Additional Attorney General confirmed the letter's submission. Dr. Siddiqui has been facing severe allegations of sexual abuse while in detention, raising concerns about her treatment. Her case has been contentious, stemming from her arrest in Afghanistan in 2008 under controversial circumstances. Dr. Siddiqui, who earned her PhD in neuroscience from Brandeis University, was implicated in extremist activities following the 9/11 attacks, igniting diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and the U.S. The Islamabad High Court is currently considering her sister's petition for her release and safe return to Pakistan.