According to Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson for the US Department of State, questions about Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case should be sent to the Department of Justice.
First, he stated, “I would definitely avoid discussing private diplomatic communications.”
Patel also underlined the opposition to blasphemy laws around the world, claiming that they can jeopardize human rights and religious freedom.
Siddiqui is currently serving an 86-year sentence for allegedly attacking U.S. servicemen in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz asked President Joe Biden last week to pardon him and free him.
The prime minister voiced concerns over Siddiqui’s “fragile mental and frail physical health” while incarcerated in a letter dated October 13. She is currently 52 years old and has served 16 years in prison.
