The National Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed two separate resolutions one for immediate release and repatriation of Pakistani citizen Dr Aafia Siddiqui as well as her children from United States and the other condemning the blasphemous caricatures published in Indian press.
Both resolutions were unanimously adopted by the Lower House on the demand of the lawmakers from both sides of the aisle condemning the detention of Dr Aafia as well the caricatures published in the Indian newspaper "Hindustan Times" about the last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and His companions.
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi presented the resolution stressing the US government for immediate repatriation of Dr Afia Siddiqui to the Pakistani authorities and provision of detailed information about the whereabouts and health condition of her young children, who were reportedly in the custody of US authorities.
Another resolution was presented by Law Minister Farooq H. Naek condemning the blasphemous act of the Indian press.
The text of the resolutions is as under: The National Assembly of Pakistan hereby resolves that: "Deeply concerned of the arrest and detention of Pakistani national Dr Aafia Siddiqui. Anguished at the media reports of her serious health condition. Concerned about the lack of information about her under-aged children. Taking note that consular access has been provided to the Pakistan embassy officials.
Recalling the obligations of states consistent with the international law and Universal Declaration of Human Rights including International Conventions. Now, therefore, hereby, call upon the federal government to take up the matter with the US authorities to urgently provide necessary medical assistance including hospitalisation, if required, to Dr Aafia. Make provision of a female doctor for her medical examination and treatment.
Give full respect to her religious beliefs; provide regular consular access to embassy officials as well as for regular family visits to Dr Aafia. Give immediate information on the whereabouts of her children and their immediate custody to the members of the family or the Pakistani authorities. Demand immediate repatriation of Dr Aafia to Pakistan".
Caricatures: The National Assembly of Pakistan "Having been hurt over the publication of imaginary caricatures and pictures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions (Sahaba) in an Indian newspaper strongly condemns the blasphemous act on the part of the newspaper, "The Hindustan Times" and demands the federal government to Lodge strong protest with the Indian government. Summon Indian High Commissioner in the Foreign Office to convey to him the utmost resentment and sentiments of the Muslims in Pakistan. Demand strict action against the newspaper to prevent publication of such like matter in future".