ISLAMABAD: A unanimous resolution was passed in the upper house on Monday in support of Dr Aafia Siddiqi.

The resolution demanded the government of taking concrete measures and diplomatic efforts to secure early release of Pakistani neuroscientist from the US custody.

Federal Law Minister Dr Babar Awan told the house that at least three links were missing from the incidental evidence submitted against Dr. Siddiqi. He said the benefit of the doubt always goes to the accused. Therefore, she should be released.

SOURCE : Thenews.com.pk

ISLAMABAD: The Senate passed a resolution on Monday expressing its grave concern over the sentence awarded to Pakistani national Dr Aafia Siddiqui by an American jury, DawnNews reported. 

The resolution moved by Talha Mehmood demanded of the government to take effective steps including diplomatic measures to secure Aafia’s immediate release.

Meanwhile, Chairman Senate Farooq H. Naek referred two bills moved by Senator Raza Rabbani to the concerned standing committees for their feedback and reports.

They were the State Bank of Pakistan (Amendment) bill and the SBP Banking Services Corporation Ordinance (Repeal) bill.

SOURCE : Dawn.com

ISLAMABAD: Senate has unanimously adopted condemnation resolution on US jury verdict against Dr Aafia Siddiqui besides calling upon the government to ensure early unconditional release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui from US prison.

The members of senate urged the government to review its relations with US if Dr Aafia Siddiqui is not released.

Presenting the resolution, senator Talha Mehmood said Dr Aafia Siddiqui was shot injured during her detention. According to Dr Aafia Siddiqui her children are being used to black mail her, he added. The government has got recovered only one child of her while two children were still missing, he told. Bullet was fired on Dr Aafia Siddqui and she was convicted too, he alleged. Even she was not allowed counselor access, he remarked. The lack of interest on the part of government in this case was very regrettable, he charged. Pakistan ambassador in US did not contest the case in proper way nor did he take any interest therein, he added.

“If we have to live with dignity in the world then we will have to reject US 1.5 Billion dollars aid”, he stressed.

Law minister Babar Awan told the house government was taking measures to secure release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui with abiding by all the laws prevailing between the two countries. This case pertained to clash of two states and benefit of doubt goes to the accused always, he added. US jury has given verdict and not awarded punishment, he told.

SOURCE : Onlinenews.com.pk

Islamabad—The Senate passed a resolution expressing its grave concern over the sentence awarded to Pakistani national Dr. Aafia Siddiqui by an American jury.

The resolution moved by Talha Mehmood demanded the government to take effective steps including diplomatic measures to get her released immediately.

Speaking on the occasion, Senator Talha Mehmood termed that entire judicial proceedings accomplished by the US court as flawed and violation of International Law because she was shifted to America from Afghanistan without any extradition between both countries as well as she was denied of her basic right to Counsellor access prior to shifting her to America.

He also declared that registration of case under the charge of attempt on life was also ridiculous as none of the American troop was injured due to her attempt but she herself was badly injured as a result of indiscriminate firing by the US marine. “Moreover” he added saying, “her case is sheer violation of fundamental human rights, but role of American judiciary as well as international human rights organizations is also a question mark in this connection”. Later, the House resumed debate on prevailing price hike and overall economic situation in the country after two day’s interval. The Senators urged government and opposition to focus on measures to grant relief to the people instead of indulging in political issues.

SOURCE : Pakobserver.net

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Monday unanimously passed a resolution expressing concern over the sentence given to Dr Aafia Siddiqui in the United States, and demanded the government take all political and diplomatic measures to secure the Pakistani scientist’s release.

Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood moved the resolution in the House.

With the consent of the House, the Chair amended the wording of the resolution, which was announced by Senator Nayyer Bukhari, Leader of the House, as “the House expresses great concern over Dr Aafia’s case and demands the government take all political and diplomatic measures for her release”.

Law Minister Senator Babar Awan declared Dr Aafia’s case “conflict” of law. “It is violation of international law as three points are not clear like the origin of arrest, abduction from Pakistan and circumstances which always go in the favour of Dr Aafia,” he said.

He said the government took several measures for the immediate release of Dr Aafia and President Asif Ali Zardari had also spoken to the US authorities regarding her release.

Senator Prof Khursheed Ahmed suggested that a joint resolution should be framed by both houses of parliament to build pressure for Dr Aafia’s release.

ANP walkout: Meanwhile, the Awami National Party (ANP) staged a walkout during the proceedings of the points of order session.

“The government did not give us due representation in the Core Committee, comprising the PPP and the MQM, constituted to maintain law and order in Sindh,” Senator Ilyas Bilour said as he announced that his party would walk out of the session in protest.

Senator Seemi Sadique expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s agreements with the International Monetary Fund. “We should not be dependent on the IMF,” she said during the discussion on inflation.

She hinted at possible water terrorism in the region, and that Pakistan should move the International Court of Justice to resolve the water crisis with India under the Indus Basin Treaty.

The Chair also referred two bills, The State Bank of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill, 2010 (Omission of section 8A) and The SBP Banking Service Corporation Ordinance (Repeal) Bill, 2010 to committee concerned for further discussion. Senator Raza Rabbani introduced both bills in the Upper House. The chairman adjourned the session until today (Tuesday) 10:30am.

SOURCE : Dailytimes.com.pk

Islamabad, Feb. 23 (ANI): The Pakistani Senate has passed a resolution expressing its grave concern over the sentence awarded to Pakistani national Dr. Aafia Siddiqui in America over terror charges.

Last week, Siddiqui was indicted by a Manhattan court on terrorism charges.

She has been charged for firing at American investigators in Afghanistan in July 2008, and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6.

A New York court found her guilty on charges related to the attempted murder and assault of US nationals and US officers and employees in Afghanistan. (ANI)

SOURCE : News.oneindia.in

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