KARACHI: Family of Pakistani daughter Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who has been languishing in a US prison, has said that for last two years they have not talked to her on telephone because this facility is presumably withdrawn from her.

In a press release issued here on Saturday, Aafia Movement Pakistan leader and noted neurophysician of the country, Dr Fowzia Siddiqui said, “The family is extremely concerned about the health and wellbeing of Aafia, as they have no telephonic communication with her for last two years.” She said, “The family does not know how she is passing her days in detention in the American jail.” She regretted that, “Even on the occasion of Eid, the family remained deprived of telephonic talk to Aafia.”

She said, “The government officials in Pakistani embassy in the US have failed to take steps regarding resumption of telephonic communication of Aafia with her family. They have also failed to take serious steps to seek her release.” She said, “It is necessary that the government officials should discharge their duties honestly so that the confidence of people is resorted on them.”

She reminded that, “Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in April 1948 while addressing the government officers in Peshawar had told them that they should never be influenced by any political pressure, by any political party or any individual politician. If you want to raise the prestige and greatness of Pakistan you must not fall victim to any pressure but do your duty as servants of the people and the state, fearlessly and honestly.” Dr Fowzia regretted that, “The Pakistani officers instead of following the guidance given by Quaid-e-Azam have become salves of corrupt ruling politicians. She said protection of citizens should be the top most responsibility of the government officers.”—NNI