Pakistani diplomat meets under detention Aafia Siddiqui

NEW YORK: A senior Pakistani Embassy diplomat met with Dr Aafia Siddqui in the Brooklyn detention center on Saturday after United States authorities agreed to Pakistan’s request for consular access to the detainee. One of her attorney’s, Gideon Oliver, and a representative of US authorities were also present during Counsellor Faqir Asif Hussain’s meeting with Ms. Siddique. She is being held without bail after being charged with attempting to kill F.B.I. agents and another US personnel last month while in Afghan custody.
Afterwards, Faqir Asif Hussain said while responding to the demands she raised, he assured Ms. Siddiqui that the embassy would make every possible effort to ensure that she was not discriminated against and that her rights as an under-trial prisoner were respected. Also, efforts would be made to ensure that she was provided appropriate medical treatment. Ms Siddiqui also asked that the govrnemnt of Pakistan should make sure that her trial was just, fair and transparent.
She also demanded that she be provided halal food and a copy of the Holy Qur’an and local timings for prayers as well as a good female doctor. The Pakistani diplomat conveyed these demands to the US authorities who promised to provide these facilities to her.
Regarding charges against her, she did not confide to the counsellor anything on the advice of her attorney.