Dr Aafia’s repatriation

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

America asks Pakistan to sign two conventions

* Malik says conventions to be signed after consultations with team of int’l lawyers, approval from Dr Aafia’s family

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Monday said that the US government has asked Pakistan to sign two conventions on transfer of prisoners, to make Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s repatriation possible.

Addressing a press conference with Dr Aafia’s sister Dr Fauzia Siddiqui, Malik said the US demand came in response to a letter he had written to the US attorney general. He said Pakistan will have to sign the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and OAF Convention for Dr Aafia’s return. However, he added that on Dr Fauzia’s insistence the authorities had decided not to sign the conventions yet. “These conventions will be signed only if we are sure that they benefit Dr Aafia,” he added.

According to sources, the US authorities had informed the interior minister following Dr Aafia’s conviction, that there would be a framework for discussion on the issue of prisoner exchange only after Pakistan signed the international treaties on exchange of prisoners. Malik earlier chaired a meeting that was attended by deputy attorney general, interior and foreign secretaries, joint secretary of the Law Ministry and Dr Fauzia to chart future course of action. He said that a decision to sign the conventions would be taken after approval from Dr Aafia’s family. He said a team of lawyers belonging to the International Justice Network would be invited to Pakistan for consultations on the issue. Dr Aafia’s brother, who lives in the US, will accompany the team. He said prominent lawyer Bilal Sufi had also been engaged for consultations. Malik told reporters that the US government would be asked to improve Dr Aafia’s living conditions. Washington will also be requested to provide telephonic access to her family in Pakistan.