Ishaq Dar clarifies remarks on Dr Aafia Siddiqui case.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday that his recent remarks regarding the case of Dr Aafia Siddiqui have been misrepresented and taken out of context.
In a clarification issued, Dar said that during a session at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington, he was asked a question pertaining to the case of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
In response, he had made a reference to Dr. Siddiqui, which, he maintained, had been misinterpreted.
He reiterated that successive governments led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have consistently supported efforts for Dr Siddiqui’s release, both through diplomatic and legal channels.
Also read: The mystery of Dr Aafia Siddiqui
He affirmed that these efforts would continue until the matter is resolved.
Acknowledging the sovereignty of national legal systems, Dar said that every country has its own judicial procedures, which must be respected.
He emphasised that the position of the government on Dr Siddiqui’s release remains firm and unequivocal.
He highlighted that the government’s endeavours for Dr Siddiqui’s release would persist, whether in Pakistan or the United States.
Expressing regret over the misinterpretation of his remarks, Dar said that his message has always reflected a steadfast commitment to Pakistan’s national interests and the release of Dr Siddiqui.
