After 20 years Aafia and Fozia Siddiqui were finally allowed to see each other Photo The Nation
World – For the past two decades, Dr. Fozia Siddiqui has dedicated her life to advocating for her sister, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s freedom. Initially alone, she gained support from compassionate individuals worldwide. After 20 years of imprisonment Siddiqui was finally granted a visa to visit Aafia at The Federal Medical Center, Carswell in the United States.
Within the confines of the United States’ prison system, the long-awaited meeting between Siddiqui and Aafia finally took place. As Siddiqui entered the prison, she was overwhelmed by countless scenarios she had mentally prepared for. However, nothing could truly prepare her for the reality of seeing her sister after two decades. The encounter was overwhelmingly emotional for Siddiqui, who struggled to find words to describe the depth of her feelings.
“It was almost like they’re not only torturing her but they wanted to make this meeting as painful and as emotionally draining as possible. It’s been a week but I don’t have the words to describe it. I still can’t find the right words. The minute I just think of her and I just burst into tears … I watched prison movies, prison horrors, things on YouTube to get myself prepared for what I was going to see but FMC Carswell precedes its reputation as the US House of Horrors or the legally sanctioned torture chamber.”
The emotional reunion
Separated by a thick glass, Aafia’s appearance was a stark reminder of the suffering she had endured. Siddiqui was unable to hear her sister’s words directly due to the need to communicate through a phone. Nonetheless, a glimmer in Aafia’s eyes offered a momentary connection, a fleeting glimpse of hope.
“They had us come in. It was a small cubicle like concrete with just a really thick glass. Then suddenly I hear a very distinct voice that I recognised and saying ‘why are you bringing me here’. She looked towards the glass and she saw me. I couldn’t hear what she said because you have to talk on this phone … As she came to the glass, I also went to the glass and for a moment we forgot there’s something in between us … To be honest, it looked like they pulled out a skeleton from the grave and just put some skin and put eyes in it.”
Throughout the visit Aafia asked about her children. Siddiqui tried to avoid speaking about baby Sulaiman, who was taken from Aafia and has still not been found. Despite her challenging circumstances, Aafia’s remarkable memory remains intact. Her recitation of the entire Quran and her ability to recall past events demonstrated her resilience and the power of her faith. Her unwavering memory serves as an encouraging reminder that knowledge can endure even when the body is weakened.
“With the senator she also recited some of Allama Iqbal’s poetry and the senator also recited some that he knew. They had a good poetry exchange. He was mentioning an Ayah from Surah Maryam and I think he got it a little wrong and Aafia recited the whole Ruku from the Surah and said this is how it is and this is the context.”
Aafia also asked about her mother to which Siddiqui told her that she is watching over her and that her message to Aafia was to not lose hope and she is closer to her than she can imagine. Gradually, Aafia was informed about her mother’s declining health and the possibility that her time may be limited. Stopping short of letting her know that her mother has passed away. The severity of that reality was deemed too difficult to share during this visit.
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Concerns about the Muslim Ummah
Aafia expressed concerns about the political and human rights situation in Pakistan and the United States. She questioned the treatment of Muslims and wondered why, for years, no one had been able to exert enough pressure to secure even a phone call for her. Her primary concern lay with the welfare of her Muslim brothers and sisters, highlighting her compassion and empathy.
“She asked me how bad it is outside, the political scenario in Pakistan and here in the US. How bad is it and are there any Muslims who really care. I tried to tell her something about the political scenario. The political side she was not able to get and then I realised that’s not what she’s asking. She’s actually asking about her Muslim brothers and sisters. How bad is it for them that they can’t even, for years, nobody could put enough pressure to even get a phone call to her.”
One of the good things about this visit was that it exposed a lie that was being spread by the government. The Siddiqui family were constantly told Aafia did not want to speak to them. Aafia made it clear that she never refused to speak with anyone, debunking the fabricated statement made by the previous US government.
“She told me she never refused to talk to any of us. The last government kept saying that Aafia doesn’t want to talk [to us], it’s such a fabricated statement.”
Legal and diplomatic efforts to free Aafia
Aafia’s legal team faces multiple challenges as they work towards securing her release and addressing her pressing health concerns. Their three-pronged approach involves improving living conditions, ensuring access to proper medical treatment, and initiating diplomatic efforts to repatriate her to Pakistan.
“One is to make obvious living conditions better. Get her out of SAM and then out of the admin unit so that the next visit is without the glass. To make sure that she is getting her commissary money and that she’s allowed books. She should get all those rights and be allowed the freedom to make a phone call and to do that safely without being harassed or molested. The second prong is the legal approach. We have to go into the appeals. If the prison doesn’t do as it’s supposed to do then [we’ll] sue the prison and get Aafia medical treatment. We have to get her back to Pakistan and so that is going to be on the diplomatic and legal channels.”
Collaboration between legal professionals, the Pakistani government, and international supporters is crucial in demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to its citizens’ well-being. Siddiqui believes now is the time Pakistan can make up for not doing right by Aafia in the past.
The reunion with her sister after 20 years has brought forth a range of emotions and shed light on the challenging circumstances Aafia has endured. The movement for her freedom has gained momentum, with people from various countries showing their support. The urgency to address her health and legal challenges remains paramount, and the collective efforts of individuals, organisations, and governments are crucial in bringing about a just resolution. It is a reminder that the fight for justice knows no borders and requires unwavering determination to secure the freedom of an innocent woman.
In a conversation with Inayet Wadee, Dr. Fozia Siddiqui peeled back the layers of triumphs and challenges, unveiling the unfathomable trauma endured by her family and, most notably, her beloved sister, Aafia. Listen to that sombering discussion here:
