Govt Making Strong Efforts for Release of Dr Aafia: PM Gilani

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Saturday assured Dr Fauzia Siddiqui that his government would make every possible effort for the release of her sister Dr Aafia Siddiqui, detained in the United States.

The Prime Minister said the government had already approved US $ two million to hire a three-member panel of lawyers for Dr Aafia Siddiqui in consultation and consent of her elder brother Muhammad Ali Siddiqui.

Gilani expressed the hope that Dr Afia Siddiqui and her family members would fully cooperate with the team of new lawyers to prepare a strong case in her defence.

Special Secretary Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources G A Sabri said, “Yes, the advisor has tendered his resignation and definitely due to some personal reasons.”

Sabri said Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani changing the portfolio of Federal Minister Syed Naveed Qamar has appointed him as Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources with additional charge of Privatization Ministry.