PAKPAC STATEMENT ON AAFIA SIDDIQUI CASE

 The Pakistani-American Public Affairs Committee(PAKPAC) has been following Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case for sometime. We have been in communication with various community activists, leaders and organizations to discuss their understanding of her case.

 It is noted that there has been a lot of information that is available from various media outlets. It is our understanding that all the facts surrounding this case have not been fully disclosed. We feel that while more credible information with regard to this case is still awaited, at the moment its presumptuous at best to arrive at any conclusion with the information on hand.

 We believe in the strength of American Judicial System.  We know that we are in a country where people have rights and there are due processes that are provided to them. We are pleased that Aafia Siddiqui is no longer a missing person, and a US Judge is hearing her case.  In the same vain we expect and hope that Dr. Siddiqui would be provided all the rights that any other person would be provided, which include to be treated as innocent until proven guilty, be protected from all forms of trauma and have access to appropriate medical and psychological care.  We also feel for her children and urge the Authorities to safeguard their security and well being.

 PAKPAC urges the larger community of Pakistani Americans and people in Pakistan to show restraint in their emotions, and wait for all the facts of her case to be available from credible sources. Thankfully, Dr. Siddiqui is being provided health care and assessment as ordered by a Federal Judge in New York, she is getting legal representation in the court with her ability to share her part of the story.