On Monday, Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, affirming that the government is extending comprehensive diplomatic and legal assistance to her.
Speaking with journalists in Islamabad, Tarar clarified that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent remarks concerning Dr. Aafia Siddiqui were misrepresented by being taken out of context.
He stated, “Senator Dar has already offered an explanation,” adding that the matter was being portrayed inaccurately.
He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had personally met with Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, Dr. Aafia’s sister, and had established a dedicated committee to advance the case. He emphasized, “No previous government has exerted such persistent efforts for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui as the current administration.”
During his visit to the U.S., the foreign minister addressed the Atlantic Council in Washington and, in response to a question regarding the legal proceedings of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, stated that a just legal process is ongoing in Pakistan.
He then drew a comparison to Dr. Aafia’s prolonged imprisonment in the United States, suggesting that her detention should not be perceived as a flaw in legal procedures.
“If Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s incarceration stems from a legitimate legal process, then the same interpretation ought to be applied universally,” he added.
Meanwhile, today, the information minister, when asked, dismissed allegations that Ishaq Dar was a member of the Sugar Advisory Board, labeling such claims as misinformation.
He was referring to comments made by former finance minister Miftah Ismail, who resigned from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in 2023 due to policy disagreements.
Addressing a question about cryptocurrency, the minister asserted that Pakistan is the sole nation to have devised a clear regulatory framework. He stated, “A crypto council has been established, and relevant legislation is in the process of implementation,” while criticizing unsubstantiated accusations on the subject.
He further mentioned that certain individuals within Pakistan were echoing the hostile stance of neighboring countries regarding Pakistan’s crypto framework. “It appears Miftah Ismail shares the same narrative on crypto as India,” he added.
Tarar remarked that critics were uneasy with Pakistan’s improving economic outlook. He commented, “It seems they cannot tolerate economic progress unless they are in control of the treasury.”
