Aafia Siddiqui

Neuroscientist

Pakistani Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Quick Info

ProfessionNeuroscientist
NationalityPakistani
Date of Birth02/03/1972
Age54 years
BirthplaceKarachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Latest News about Aafia Siddiqui

29/01/2026

A Global Voices article highlighted the ongoing controversy surrounding Aafia Siddiqui's case, noting her continued detention at FMC Carswell in Texas where supporters allege denial of medical care, religious practice restrictions, and abuse. Her lawyer Clive Stafford Smith reported physical and sexual abuse by guards and inmates as of late 2023. The Islamabad High Court rebuked Pakistani officials between July 2025 and early 2026 for failing to pursue legal action internationally despite claims of her victimization.

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Bio/Wiki

Other Names
  • Fahrem
  • Feriel Shahin
  • Prisoner 650
  • Grey lady of Baghram
  • Lady al-Qaeda
FieldNeuroscience
ThesisSeparating the components of imitation
Doctoral AdvisorRobert Sekuler

Physical Stats & More

Height5'4" (approx.)
Weight90 lb (41kg) (at time of arraignment)
Eye ColorBrown
Hair ColorBlack

Educational Qualification(s)

SchoolZambia and Karachi
College/University
  • Houston University
  • University of Houston
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (BS in Biology)
  • Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts (Ph.D. in Neuroscience)

Personal Life

ReligionIslam

Relationships & More

Marital StatusDivorced
Marriage Date
First Marriage1995
Second MarriageFebruary 2003

Family

FatherMuhammad Salay Siddiqui (Neurosurgeon)
MotherIsmet Siddiqui (Islamic teacher and social worker)
Siblings
  • Muhammad (Architect)
  • Fowzia Siddiqui (Neurologist)
Spouse
  • Amjad Mohammed Khan (m. 1995โ€“2002)
  • Ammar al-Baluchi (m. 2003)
Children
  • Mohammad Ahmed
  • Suleman
  • Mariam
  • Mariam Bint Muhammad

Career

Known ForServing an 86-year sentence at the Federal Medical Center, Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas
EmployerFederal Medical Center, Carswell
ConvictionConvicted on 3 February 2010 for attempted murder and assault of US personnel in Afghanistan; sentenced to 86 years

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. She was imprisoned due to suspected ties with Al Qaeda.
2. A neuroscientist from Pakistan who graduated from MIT.
3. Gained the title of the world's most sought-after woman in 2004.
4. She was the first woman to be featured on the FBI's Seeking Information โ€“ Terrorism list.
5. She was convicted on 3 February 2010 for attempted murder and assault of US personnel.
6. She is often called the โ€œMost Oppressed Muslim Woman in the Worldโ€.
7. She has been held in solitary confinement for over 14 years, longer than any other person in a U.S. federal women's prison.
Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
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