Supporters of Dr Aafia Siddiqui staged a walk on Sunday to press the United States administration for her immediate release. They also criticised the Pakistan government for illegal detentions in the country.
"Illegal detentions and hidden torture cells in Pakistan are the main cause of the growing anarchy in the country," said the Dr Aafia Movement leader Dr Fowzia Siddiqui, speaking at "We love Aafia" Walk that was held on main University Road from the Safari Park to the NIPA Chowrangi.
A large number of citizens, workers of social and political organisations, lawyers, teachers, women and youth attended the rally. The leaders of Pasban e Pakistan, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Khakisar Tehreek also attended the rally to express solidarity with the cause of release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.
They said the Pakistani nation unanimously demanded early release and repatriation of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, and government should play their due role in this regard. They said a large number of citizens, by participating in the rally, have proved that they want a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan and they want to uphold and safeguard of their honour.
They said the nation expected from the rulers to fulfil their promises and end the growing unrest and anarchy in society.
Noted neurologist of Pakistan Dr Fowzia Siddiqui in her address said that the daughters should not be for sale, but their honour was more precious than our lives. She said the presence of a large number of people in illegal detention houses and torture cells of foreign elements is the main reason of the growing anarchy in Pakistan. She said the rulers should fulfil their promise of bringing back Dr Aafia Siddiqui; otherwise, the people of Pakistan would make them accountable on roads and streets.
Pasban e Pakistan President Altaf Shakoor regretted that in the coming March, Dr Aafia would complete 13 years in illegal detention. He held State institutions responsible for handing over Dr Aafia Siddiqui and her minor children to US, her torture and illegal detention.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Asadullah Bhutto expressed solidarity with the Aafia Movement. "Today is the day of honouring our national honour and providing respect and security to our mothers, sisters and daughters," he said demanding the rulers should fulfil their promise regarding the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.
Nazia Rabbani of the PTI said that Imran Khan would play his due role in bringing Aafia Siddiqui back home.