Karachi
Under the banner of the Global Aafia Movement, an “Aazadi Mushaira” was held at the residence of Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui to highlight the importance of freedom as a blessing.
The event was chaired by senior poet Anwar Shaoor and was attended by a large number of Dr. Aafia’s supporters.
The renowned poets who presented their work at the national and international level included: Firast Rizvi, Mahmood Ghaznavi, Khalid Moin, Akhtar Saeedi, Saleem Fawz, Hakim Nasif, Farukh Izhar, Usman Jamai, Sahibzada Atiq, Qazi Danish Siddiqui, Naheed Azmi, Yasmeen Yas, Shazia Alam Shazi, and Naeemuddin Naeem.
The proceedings were conducted by Khalilullah Farooqi and Saima Ishaq. Through their poetry, the poets eloquently highlighted the significance of patriotism and the blessing of freedom, while also expressing sorrow over the country’s current situation, where the common citizen appears deprived of basic human rights and justice.
Several poets also expressed grief over Karachi’s deteriorating condition and the policy of neglecting the city. Poets expressed solidarity with Dr. Aafia and her family, and some expressed shame over her situation.
During the event, volunteers of the Aafia Movement set up a stall where all the poets and attendees signed an online petition. The petition requests Field Marshal General Asim Munir to assist the civilian government and use his influence for Dr. Aafia’s release.
On this occasion, everyone appeared convinced that “it is not only our duty, but also the duty of the government in power to raise its voice for the release of a daughter like Aafia, who embodies great Islamic values. “In her concluding remarks, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui thanked all the esteemed poets and attendees. She said:
“Eight decades have passed since the creation of Pakistan. My parents and their forefathers participated wholeheartedly in the Pakistan Movement. The extent of their patriotism can be gauged from the fact that my parents’ advice was: do not acquire foreign citizenship. My sister Aafia and I acted upon this advice.
It is because of this advice that I am in Pakistan today, and Aafia also returned to Pakistan following the same advice. After receiving the highest education from the world’s best institutions, the reason I am in Pakistan today is my parents’ advice, and I am trying my best to serve my fellow countrymen in the field of medicine.
My sister Aafia also returned to Pakistan with the same spirit, but unfortunately, she was prevented from serving the nation in the field of education.”
