MULTAN/ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Thursday
terms dialogues only way forward [to solve issues] with India. He was talking to media in Multan. Terming relations with China exemplary, Qureshi added there was no space for rumors after Pak-China joint declaration. “In-depth talks were held with Chinese government on next phase of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)”, Qureshi was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said here on Thursday the government will provide legal assistance to Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist and mother of three jailed in the US for almost a decade.
Speaking to the Media here in Multan, the foreign minister said he would be meeting Aafia’s sister, Dr Fauzia Siddiqui, next week.
Whatever assistance could be provided to her while remaining within the ambit of law, it is my duty and I will do that, Qureshi told newsmen.
He said the government will try to reduce difficulties of the incarcerated Pakistani neuroscientist. On the other hand, a spokesman for the Foreign Office of Pakistan said progress had been made in the case of Dr Aafia, however, its details could not be revealed now. The spokesman, Dr Mohammad Faisal, however, said that no decision had been taken regarding her release as yet.
We have spoken to the US about Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s issue. However, no decision has been taken regarding her release as yet, he said, during weekly press briefing in Islamabad.
Since a decision has not been taken regarding her release, we cannot say when she will be freed.
The Pakistani government raised the issue of “respecting the human and legal rights” of Dr Aafia Siddiqui with US Ambassador Alice Wells who visited Islamabad on Tuesday.
Government of Pakistan has been raising the issue of Dr Aafia Siddiqui with US authorities regularly. Pakistan’s CG (consul general) in Houston pays Consular visits to Dr Aafia, periodically, to inquire about her well-being and conveys her messages to Dr Aafia’s family if any, the Foreign Office said in a statement. Agencies