The final day of my own personal mobilization activities in Pakistan consisted of meetings with a number of political officials in Islamabad, in the company of Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui and two other frontline members of the Pakistan-based coalition. We also visited the Pakistan Supreme Court, but was denied entry because of my presence, I was later told.
This was a day when Gen. Musharaf’s trial was being heard, and a court proceeding for the families of the disappeared was also being heard. There was a heavy media presence in the courthouse, and the Aafia mobilization had already received an enormous amount of attention in both print and broadcast media. It was feared that my presence in the courthouse would have attracted even more. Dr. Fowzia was offered entry, but as a matter of principle she refused to go in if I had to remain outside.
Later that evening, after our meeting with Senator Talha at his residence (of the political figures I met in Pakistan he was the one that I was most impressed with), we took a late night flight back to Karachi. This signaled the end of my part of the March 2014 Aafia Mobilization in Pakistan.
The next evening I was graced with the presence of Aafia’s family, and a number of frontline supporters (may ALLAH bless them All), for a farewell dinner at my hotel. It’s difficult to put in words how special the feeling was to have Aafia’s mother (such a sweet, sweet lady) seated on my left, and Aafia’s son (an impressive young man) seated on my right. We all took photos, I was presented with parting gifts, and about four to five hours later I was on my way to the airport for my flight out of Pakistan.
See photos at the campaign’s official website: www.aafiamovement.com
Next Mobilization Stop South Africa, insha’Allah!