Pakistani Students Confront Authorities Over Afia Siddiqui Detainment

Pakistani youth, galvanized under the banner of the Student Action Committee, are all set to stage the latest in a string of protests against the government handling of the Afia Siddiqui case. Today's event is scheduled for 6 pm Pakistan Standard Time in the city of Lahore, right in front of the Governor's House. It promises to be the biggest, most impactful event yet.

Pakistanis are increasingly disillusioned by their Government and its pandering to the whims of the United States. They are dissatisfied with the despotic methods of Pervaiz Musharraf, want to fully restore the judiciary and have cried themselves hoarse over the cases of missing persons. The Afia Siddiqui case is the latest cause that is uniting those who yearn for a democratic Pakistan.

Afia Siddiqui is essentially an academic of Pakistani origin who trained at MIT and Brandeis. She has been missing since 2003 and it is believed she was handed over to American authorities by Musharraf's men. US authorities believe she has links to Al-Qaeda. They insist she has been bankrolling terrorist activity and had been maintaining a US mailbox for a terrorist accomplice. None of these allegations have been substantiated. The FBI currently says it holds her on charges of assault.

The case has garnered increasing attention of late because of reports from various reliable quarters that Afia has been detained under inhuman conditions in American prison cells. Accounts relate that she has been raped and tortured and completely lost her mind. In addition to this lurid tale, there is the consideration of the status of her three children whose whereabouts are not known.

The Pakistani youth are incensed by their belief that their government is a sellout and has handed over Afia for a large sum of money. The current round of peaceful protests is aimed at drawing international attention to the plight of Afia and her family. It is hoped that her whereabouts can be confirmed and she can be given a fair trial.

Recent protests have involved scores of students chanting slogans and carrying placards through the streets of Lahore. While the monsoon season settles on Lahore and the weather remains inclement, nothing is likely to dampen the spirits of these justice-seekers.

Stay tuned for updates as events unfold.