PTI ADAMANT AS GOVT GOES EXTRA MILE TO BLUNT ‘FINAL CALL ENTHUSIASM’
g Significant security forces mobilised with deployment of 30,000 additional police officials, including FC and Rangers
g Capital city virtually turned into a fortress with closure of all major entr y and exit points and inter and intra-city roads, transport
g Barrister Gohar insists a ‘ final call ’ meant a final call and only Imran could review decision
TPTI condemns govt for conver ting countr y into a war zone
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson reiterated that peaceful protest was a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution, and the nation remained resolute in exercising this right despite the incumbent government’s incessant threats intimidation and attempts to convert the country into a war zone through massive troop deployments and containerization
PTI Spokesperson in a reaction to Atta Tarar s outbursts, stated that the touts and the courtiers unleashed to target and intimidate people for participating in the revolutionary PTI’s peaceful march should bear in mind that 240 million people were fed-up of
their self-centred and incompetent masters who ruined the country economically socially and politically during the past two and a half years He lashed out at the mandate thief government for taking away the people s fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, trade, employment and communication besides confining 240 million people to their homes PTI Spokesperson strongly condemned the government s open threats and intimidation tactics against young people traders teachers students transporters and government officials He emphasized that the nation would not be intimidated by threats and would not give up its fundamental rights and the peaceful protest would be the prelude to restore the constitution and the law in its true sense
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture, Attaullah Tarar, on Saturday stated categorically that no negotiations are being held at any level with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Addressing a news conference Tarar said that Interior
Minister Mohsin Naqvi following Islamabad High Court (IHC) orders contacted PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar to convey that protests or sit-ins in the federal capital were illegal Tarar warned that those participating in violent protests would be arrested and held accountable for any damage, as the government would not tolerate actions jeopardizing public safety The minister said protests are
PTI’s Nafeesa Khattak, Punjab VP detained as police intensif y crackdown
The Police intensified their action on Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, arresting prominent figures across Punjab and Islamabad as the capital braces for what is being labelled as final call protest by the PTI on Sunday
The arrests which included PTI Punjab Vice President Akmal Khan Bari in Lahore and former member of parliament Nafeesa Khattak in Islamabad, are part of a pre-emptive sweep to limit PTI’s mobilisation
In Lahore Bari and fellow party leader Chaudhry Habib Rehman were detained and transferred to the Rang Mahal police station on Saturday Despite the arrests Bari expressed his commitment to PTI s plans, telling local media that the protest would go forward and calling November 24 a “day of freedom” for Imran Khan Police also conducted a series of pre-dawn raids in Islamabad on Saturday detaining Nafeesa Khattak and two nephews of PTI leader Amir Mughal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi defended the raids, citing a court ruling banning large gatherings and vowing that any violence would be met with a “strict response ” In anticipation of the protest Islamabad has closed routes to the Red Zone with shipping containers and deployed 30 000 police and paramilitary forces across the city, particularly around sensitive government buildings
Key highways and motorways connecting Islamabad with Lahore and Peshawar have been closed and Section 144 – which prohibits public
gatherings – has been imposed
PTI s central information secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram, called for supporters to proceed to D-Chowk on Sunday, calling the protest a constitutional right and promising to overcome any barriers authorities set up PTI leaders are counting on a significant turnout expressing confidence that the rally will underscore public support for the party and its detained leader As Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares to flex its muscles on November 24, the government has rolled out extensive security measures including invoking Section 144 across Punjab for three days and deploying thousands of personnel in the federal capital to maintain law and order
The Punjab government followed the federal government s lead on Friday by invoking Section 144 from November 23 to 25, banning public gatherings rallies and processions
The decision was taken during the 18th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order aimed at safeguarding lives and property amid rising security concerns
Officials warned that public gatherings could serve as “soft targets for terrorists,” with anti-state elements potentially exploiting such events to advance their agendas
Meanwhile in preparation for the rally
major reinforcements have been dispatched to Islamabad Punjab has sent 19,000 personnel, Sindh 5,000 officers, the Frontier Corps 5,000, and Azad Kashmir police 1,000 For the first time, high-ranking officers accompany the contingents with district-level commanders overseeing their teams
SBP REVISES SHARIAH GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK FOR ISL AMIC BANKING INSTITUTIONS
Commerce Ministry scrambles for solutions to revive exports
The deadline approaches
Future of IPPs in Pakistan
M o n e t i
A new beginning
With over 100 million active social media users in Pakistan, platforms have a ready market to engage, and creators have proven their ability to captivate audiences through their content. Yet, without financial recognition, the creative potential of Pakistani influencers remains undervalued As global companies prioritize user-generated content, fair monetization must become a standard not an exception By advocating for change, Pakistani creators and the broader digital community can work toward a future where content is not only celebrated but also adequately compensated
Global Real GDP Growth and Inflation Trends
TThe global economic landscape from the early 2000s to 2024 reflects a dynamic interplay of stability, crisis, and recovery While advanced economies demonstrate resilience through effective policies, emerging markets present a dichotomy of high growth potential and inflationary vulnerabilities The period underscores the need for structural reforms, equitable growth strategies, and coordinated global responses to address persistent challenges Sustainable growth and inflation control remain central to achieving long-term economic stability in an interconnected world Causes are historic
recovery
During the 2010s, global GDP growth stabilized between 3 percent and 4 percent, reflecting a balance between growth in emerging markets and slower expansion in advanced economies This stabilization however masked underlying vulnerabilities:
1 Rising Debt Levels: Public and private debt reached unprecedented levels, particularly in advanced economies, posing risks to fiscal sustainability
2 Geopolitical Uncertainties: Events like the Eurozone debt crisis trade tensions between the United States and China and Brexit periodically disrupted growth trajectories
3 Emerging Markets: Countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America sustained moderate to high growth rates, driven by resource exports infrastructure investments and demographic advantages
Despite these challenges the 2010s were marked by cautious optimism with global trade and investment flows remaining robust
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused an unprecedented economic contraction Global GDP growth plummeted to2 7 percent as the pandemic disrupted supply chains labor markets and trade flows The pandemic s impact was far-reaching:
1 Advanced Economies: Lockdowns and healthcare crises led to significant declines in industrial output and consumer spending
2 Emerging Markets: Countries dependent on tourism exports and remittances suffered severe contractions
3 Policy Responses: Governments and central banks worldwide implemented large-scale fiscal and monetary interventions to mitigate the downturn These included stimulus packages interest rate cuts and liquidity injections Recovery in 2021 was robust with global GDP growth surging to 6 6 percent, driven by vaccination rollouts, renewed consumer confidence, and government spending However, the recovery highlighted disparities in economic resilience particularly between advanced and emerging markets
By 2024 the global economy has transitioned from a rapid recovery phase to moderate and sustainable growth levels, stabilizing between 3 2 percent and 3 6 percent This reflects a recalibration post-pandemic amidst ongoing challenges:
1 Inflationary Pressures: Rising energy prices supply chain disruptions and
geopolitical tensions have driven inflation, with significant variations between advanced and emerging economies
2 Geopolitical Risks: Conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East have introduced volatility in global markets
3 Technological Transformation: Continued investments in digitalization, green energy and innovation are shaping long-term economic trajectories
Global inflation has risen sharply since 2019 peaking at 5 8 percent in 2024 Key drivers include:
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Pandemic-induced shortages in goods and raw materials
Energy Price Volatility: Geopolitical tensions impacting oil and gas supplies Diverging Policy Responses: Varying fiscal and monetary strategies across regions
Advanced Economies Inflation in advanced economies has been relatively contained peaking at 2 6 percent in 2024 Factors contributing to this include:
Benjamin
Netanyahu
is a wanted man – and he has only himself to blame
THANKS to Benjamin Netanyahu Israel which once dreamed of being a light unto the nations has taken a step closer to becoming a leper among the nations The Israeli prime minister and the defence minister he sacked a fortnight ago Yoav Gallant are now wanted men the subject of arrest warrants issued on Thursday by the international criminal court (ICC) accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza From now on, some 124 countries are effectively closed to them: if Netanyahu or Gallant set foot in any member state of the ICC – which includes Britain and most of Europe – they face the risk of arrest The UK government has already said it will follow the law which sounds like a commitment to detain the two men if they come here They are to be shunned, as a matter of international law Israeli ministers and their allies are raging against the ICC accusing it of bias and double standards in levelling against Israel charges that it has never made against the leaders of any other western democracy But the blame lies squarely with Netanyahu himself Because this move, which signals a new isolation of Israel was entirely avoidable Start with the law Ask why the ICC didn t go after say Britain for suspected war crimes in Iraq or the US on similar charges in Afghanistan, and you ll be told that the ICC stays out of countries that have their own, reliable systems of justice The legal principle is called “complementarity” by which the ICC defers to the courts of the country accused so long as it s satisfied that any crimes will be properly investigated and pursued For Israel, the simplest solution would have been the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023 and all that has followed As it happens that s been a loud demand within Israel ever since that murderous day 13 months ago But Netanyahu has refused to give way He fears an investigation will point the finger at him for leaving Israel exposed to the deadliest attack in its
past 15 years, he was blameless for that horrific failure – though simultaneously responsible for all of Israel’s military successes So in a break with all Israeli precedent there is still no inquiry into 7 October or the conduct of the war in Gaza
And that under the principle of complementarity, opened the door to the ICC Of course, Netanyahu s culpability goes much deeper The ICC’s statement makes clear that the heart of its case against Israel’s leaders relates to the supply of humanitarian aid into Gaza The ICC says there are reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies as well as fuel and electricity” Netanyahu and his defenders say that the ICC s warrants are outrageous because they overlook the viciousness of Israel s Hamas enemy and seek to tie the hands of Israel in defending itself But the way Israel has pounded Hamas is not at the heart of the ICC case Instead, the focus of the charge sheet is aid
Now obviously the primary reason why Israel should have ensured sufficient supplies of essentials is moral It is indefensible to use starvation as a method of warfare , as the ICC puts it The second reason is strategic As I wrote early on in the war, even senior US military figures sympathetic to Israel tried to persuade the country’s leadership that it would be wise to make crystal clear that its war was with Hamas not the Palestinians of Gaza It should have provided Gaza s civilians with all the food and medicine they needed, in order to drive a wedge between Hamas and the people that group has ruled so oppressively and so long Instead it made harsh lives even harsher and sowed hatred into the hearts of a new
generation An epic strategic failure The legal arguments come last It should have been obvious to Netanyahu and his allies that while charges relating to the military conduct of a war are legally hard to prove aid is a clear and measurable commodity The absence of a domestic Israeli inquiry tasked specifically with examining aid policy, coupled with reckless statements about the imposition of a “total siege” – a threat that was never implemented but which immediately painted the Gaza operation in illegal and excessive colours as the Israeli scholar of international law Prof Yuval Shany put it to me – and Netanyahu and Gallant had all but written their own arrest warrants Israel, backed by the US, will argue that the ICC has acted unfairly They will note that while the court bent over backwards to help the likes of the UK US or even Venezuela clear the complementarity bar, it gave no such leeway to Israel They will say that sending aid into Gaza is no easy task, not when Hamas or other armed men stand ready to steal it for themselves, as happened just this week They will say that it is appalling to include a Hamas commander in the same warrant as Netanyahu and Gallant as if there can be moral equivalence between a democratic state and a terror organisation (though they would surely have blasted the ICC just as vehemently had it overlooked Hamas’s crimes) They will say the ICC didn’t give Israel enough time or notice that the chief prosecutor Karim Khan cancelled a planned trip to Israel in May at the last minute, preferring to announce his application for arrest warrants on CNN They will say that Khan is compromised, himself the subject of an internal inquiry into alleged sexual misconduct
There will be plenty of takers for these
arguments, especially the one alleging double standards The US, perhaps backed by Hungary and others, could well seek to intimidate the court threatening to cut off funding or to impose sanctions on ICC officials The outgoing Biden administration has already denounced the warrants and Donald Trump will only be tougher
But the charges will not melt away I have spoken to four different specialists in international law about the Gaza war, and all four believe it is likely that war crimes and crimes against humanity have indeed been committed Importantly those same four also believe that the gravest accusation against Israel – that it is committing genocide – cannot be legally sustained That view is hardened, incidentally, by the ICC’s decision to reject one charge sought by the prosecutor against the Israeli pair namely the crime of extermination
Few people expect to see Netanyahu in the dock at The Hague any time soon On the contrary, this move will only strengthen him politically, just as serial domestic indictments only helped Trump Netanyahu will say he is the victim of hate-filled outsiders that it s Israel against the world and that he alone stands as its true defender ready to sacrifice his own liberty for the sake of the nation
But make no mistake, this will have a major impact It will strengthen calls for arms embargos of Israel and for criminal investigations into lower-level Israeli political and military figures It will accelerate Israel s path to international pariahdom And remember, this is exactly what Hamas hoped for on 7 October: to drive Israel so mad with grief and rage that it would lash out in ways that would destroy its international legitimacy Netanyahu gave them exactly what they wanted Hamas set the trap – and he
of utterly baseless claims about the effectiveness of masking Or that Saint Tony Fauci eventually admitted that the whole six feet of social distancing rule was made up out of thin air Yet the Bidenites arrogantly sent out their grants for academics to study the spread of “misinformation”
ISRAELI ATTACK TARGETS HOSPITAL KILLING SEVEN MEDICS IN LEBANON
significant role In contrast in Haryana Modi s presence was more limited with the BJP managing to win on the strength of local issues and leadership However, the BJP s strategy in Jharkhand did not yield the same results, with the party failing to unseat the JMM, particularly among tribal voters Despite efforts to push for tribal votes and the support of the RSS the BJP could not connect with Jharkhand s electorate in the same way A critical factor in Maharashtra s success was the RSS s active involvement, starting immediately after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections
ministrative regulations
The meeting noted that the development of the platform economy is of significance in expanding domestic demands, keeping employment stable ensuring people’s livelihood as well as developing new quality productive forces
It called for efforts in strengthening the system of industrial inter-
net platforms, supporting consumer internet platform companies to tap market potential and promoting the law-based and orderly cross-border flow of data
Standardized operation and orderly competition of platform enterprises should be advanced, the meeting said adding that their quality should also be improved to give full play to the platform economy s role in boosting employment
The meeting discussed and approved a draft law on the safety of hazardous chemical substances and decided to submit the draft to the Standing Committee of the National People s Congress China s top legislature for deliberation
It was emphasized at the meeting that efforts should focus on establishing a prevention mechanism
to manage safety risks at different levels and root out hidden hazards
It was essential to enhance safety management throughout the entire process of production storage utilization, operation, and transportation to resolutely curb the occurrence of major accidents, according to the meeting
The meeting also underscored the importance of improving the professional skills of industry personnel promoting the large-scale equipment upgrades, and expediting the phaseout, upgrades and renovation of outdated chemical facilities
Additionally it decided to revise certain provisions in 21 regulations including one regulation regarding the supervision of medical equipment, and abolish four regulations
Judge in Trump criminal c ase delays sentencing indefinitely: cour t
YORK A F P
The judge in Donald Trump’s criminal hush money case ordered on Friday that sentencing be delayed indefinitely a legal win for the President-elect as he prepares to return to the White House Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts in May after a jury found he had fraudulently manipulated business records to cover up an alleged sexual encounter with a porn star ahead of the 2016 election Prosecutors argued that concealing the alleged tryst was intended to help him win his first run for the White House Trump, who had been scheduled to be sentenced on November 26 had fought against any effort to sentence him before his return to the presidency in January It is ordered that the joint application for a stay of sentencing is granted to the extent that the November 26, 2024 date is adjourned, said judge Juan Merchan in an order Trump’s legal team have cited a Supreme Court ruling giving presidents sweeping immunity for official acts That landmark ruling saw the court with a 6-3 conservative majority decide that presidents have sweeping immunity from prosecution for a range of official acts committed while in office Ahead of the election, Trump’s lawyers moved to have the case thrown out in light of the Supreme Court decision, a move which prosecutors have firmly rejected On Friday the judge granted Trump leave to seek to have the conviction thrown out likely meaning several further hearings that could be delayed once Trump is sworn in
President Xi’s APEC, G20 attendance mark a journey of friendship, cooperation: FM
Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing on Saturday morning after attending the 31st APEC Economic Leaders Meeting and the 19th G20 Summit and paying state visits to Peru and Brazil, which was hailed as a journey of friendship unity and cooperation with pioneering significance by the Chinese Foreign Ministry Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee made the remarks when briefing the accompanying journalists at the end of the trip During the 11-day trip from November 13 to 23 2024 President Xi
Yango the
that is part of the global tech company Yango Group showing its unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of its partner s drivers by fulfilling a heartfelt dream This time, Yango has partnered with Alkaram Pakistan’s leading fashion retail brand to help a dedicated partner s driver Tanveer Malik fulfil his dream of giving his daughter the kind of wedding day every girl deserves Through Yango’s “My Dreams” initiative which allows passengers to contribute to the personal aspirations of partner s drivers Tanveer received significant financial and emotional support to bear the expenses of his daughter s big day Alkaram, a brand that is known for its fine craftsmanship and elegant designs provided the bride with a wardrobe ensuring the next chapter of her life was not only beautiful but also filled with confidence, perfectly complementing the love that surrounded her Tanveer Malik, a devoted father and top-rated Yango’s partner driver has always worked tirelessly to support his family However when the time came for his daughter s wedding the financial strain of such an important life event seemed insurmountable Through the kindness and generosity of Yango’s “My Dreams” feature Tanveer s one true aspiration to give his daughter a memorable
T
“No one is winning the war on cancer ” These sobering words from Dr Azra Raza a globally renowned oncologist author and professor at Columbia University, echoed across a captivated audience at LUMS, where she held a series of thought-provoking talks from November 20-22 Quoting literary greats like Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Emily Dickinson Dr Raza seamlessly wove together science poetry and the resilience of the human spirit in her talks She challenged conventional thinking urging a shift from reactive care to proactive prevention Despite billions of dollars spent on cancer research, she
point where wellness begins to transition into illness Her acclaimed book, The First Cell: And the Human Costs of Pursuing Cancer to the Last, delves deeply into these themes and has been hailed for its bold critique of conventional treatment
wedding came true leaving him and his family, especially the daughter, deeply moved “Like every father, I also want to fulfil my children’s wishes And I wanted to do everything I could for my daughter s wedding But putting up a wedding during this period of inflation can diminish anyone s morale Thanks to Yango s My Dreams feature, the impossible somehow seemed achievable I sincerely want to thank Yango and Alkaram who attended my daughter s wedding like family members and made it all possible Tanveer said with gratitude Miral Sharif, Country Manager of Yango Pakistan, shared, “Tanveer ’s story is a perfect example of the power of resilience and love At Yango we believe that our drivers are not just partners – they are part of our extended family Supporting Tanveer s journey to make his daughter s wedding a reality is just one of the many ways we are committed to enriching the lives of our partner ’s drivers ” At Alkaram we believe that every girl deserves to feel comfortable inside out For us comfort is
30th Palmolive sindh Women’s swimming championship 2024 KARACHI
A policeman and civilian died in two separate bomb blasts on Saturday in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district according to the police
Bajaur District Police Officer (DPO) Waqas Rafiq told media that both blasts were caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Mamund tehsil
He said a policeman died in the first incident while the second incident left a civilian dead T
the Chenab River Bridge in Gujrat where containers have been placed on both sides It is to be noted that incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan has given a call for countrywide protests on November 24
T h r e e t e r r o r i s t s k i l l e d i n B a r a , S o u t h Wa z i r i s t a n I B O s : I S P R
S TA F F R E P O R T
Three Khwarij were killed in separate engagements with the security forces during two intelligence-based operations conducted in different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province according to the military’s media wing on Saturday In a statement issued here the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that in the first intelligence-based operation targeted a militant location in Bara of Khyber District
During the conduct of operation own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location resultantly two Khwarij Haqyar Afridi@ Khyberay and Gulla Jan, were sent to hell
In another incident movement of group of khwarij who were trying to infiltrate PakistanAfghanistan border, was picked up by the security forces in South Waziristan District Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate Resultantly one kharji was sent to hell while three khwarij got injured Pakistan has consistently been asking Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border Interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan
The ISPR emphasised Pakistan’s ongoing concerns regarding
cross-border militancy and urged the Afghan Interim Government to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by militants for acts of terrorism against Pakistan ” Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to safeguarding the country s borders and eradicating terrorism within its territory, reaffirmed the ISPR President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday commended the security forces for successfully conducting operations near the PakistanAfghanistan border specifically in South Waziristan and Khyber districts In separate statements, both praised the security forces for their actions which resulted in the killing of two Khawarij militants in Khyber one in South Waziristan and the capture of three others President Zardari reaffirmed his resolve to counter any terrorist attempts to destabilise Pakistan’s peace and security, underscoring a commitment to ongoing operations until terrorism is fully eradicated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed the nation s solidarity with the courageous soldiers fighting terrorism, stating that the government is resolute in its mission to eliminate terrorism and the Khawarij threat from the country
Dr Aafia sues US prison alleging abuse and rights violations
Despite being a devout Muslim, Siddiqui has been denied access to an Imam for spiritual guidance, and her requests for religious items and participation in Friday prayers have been repeatedly blocked
The lawsuit details how male officers have observed her during private moments including when she was forced to strip further infringing upon her religious freedoms Additionally, the complaint addresses the lack of adequate medical care, noting that Siddiqui has suffered from physical ailments including hearing loss and dental issues as a result of prior alleged torture in US custody Her attorneys argue that the failure to provide proper care for Siddiqui s documented PTSD and physical injuries violates her constitutional rights under the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment The case is framed within a broader context of systemic issues at FMC Carswell where previous reports and lawsuits have pointed to
widespread abuse of female inmates
A 2022 investigation by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram revealed numerous cases of sexual misconduct by prison staff many of which were either covered up or inadequately addressed Dr Siddiqui’s legal team, which includes attorneys Naim Haroon Sakhia, Maria Kari, and Clive Stafford Smith is seeking a jury trial and demanding an independent investigation into the allegations
Earlier in 2022 in a lawsuit against the federal Bureau of Prisons, Siddiqui s lawyers had said that another inmate had “smashed a coffee mug filled with scaling hot liquid” into her face When Siddiqui curled herself into a fetal position the other woman began to punch and kick her leaving her with injuries so severe that she needed to be taken by wheelchair to the prison s medical unit Siddiqui was left with burns around her eyes and a three-inch scar near her left eye, the lawsuit says She also suffered bruises on her arms and legs and an injury to her cheek They have been calling for immediate action to protect Siddiqui from further harm
improve her access to religious counsel and ensure she receives adequate medical care
The case has drawn significant international attention with human rights activists and supporters calling for justice for Siddiqui and other female inmates subjected to similar abuse
The Pakistani government has also repeatedly called for her release and repatriation highlighting concerns about the treatment she has received in US custody
Attorney Naim Haroon Sakhia commented on the lawsuit, stating, Dr Siddiqui has endured unimaginable suffering, and this case is a glaring example of the severe issues plaguing the US prison system ” Maria Kari emphasised that the lawsuit seeks justice not just for Siddiqui but for other women who have suffered in silence
The US Bureau of Prisons has yet to respond to the lawsuit, but the case is likely to have far-reaching implications for prison reform and the treatment of detainees, particularly women in US facilities This legal action underscores ongoing concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals in US prisons and has the potential to
spark further scrutiny of the country’s human rights practices
Dr Aafia Siddiqui s arrest is one of the most controversial and mysterious cases that began in March 2003, following the arrest of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM), Al Qaeda’s third-in-command and the alleged mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, in Karachi Mohammed was transferred to US custody and sent to Guantanamo Bay where he was tortured by being subjected to waterboarding and rectal rehydration as part of CIA interrogation tactics, according to a Senate report At the time Siddiqui who was reportedly married to a nephew of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed disappeared along with her three minor children in Karachi US media described her as the first woman suspected of links to Osama bin Laden s Al-Qaeda network, earning her the notorious moniker “Lady Al Qaeda ” In 2008 Siddiqui ‘resurfaced’ in Afghanistan where she was arrested in Ghazni province during a time of intense conflict in Afghanistan
RAWALPINDI