PESHAWAR: Dr Fauzia Siddiqui has demanded of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to play role for release of her sister, Dr Aafia Siddiqui, from a US prison.

Speaking at a news conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Sunday, Ms Fauzia said that the Senate, National Assembly and provincial assemblies had adopted resolutions seeking release of Dr Aafia, but despite that the then federal government failed to write a letter to the former US president Barack Obama in this regard.

`The incumbent government should take effective steps to ensure release of the imprisoned woman by March 30, otherwise a long march on Islamabad will be organised in consultation with different political parties and civil society organisations,` she announced.

Flanked by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MNA Engr Amin-ul-Haq and Pasban president Hafiz Shakoor, Dr Fauzia said the imprisonment of Dr Aafia was a matter of concern for the entire nation and thus the government should take firm decision to get her released at the earliest.

`It is not a matter of a panicular political party to raise voice but it relates to honour of Pakistan, but Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has turned a deaf ear towards the issue,` she lamented. She said before coming into power Mr Sharif in a meeting with her mother had promised to ensure release of Dr Aafia but failed to materialise his commitment so far.

Earlier, scores of people belonging to different walks of life held a protest demonstration outside the press club for release of Dr Aafia. -Bureau Report