OTTAWA – The Green Party of Canada demands the immediate release of Liaquat Ali Shaikh, Chairperson of the Pakistan Green Party. Mr. Ali Shaikh is a Canadian resident.
On September 19, 2012 Liaquat Ali Shaikh was arrested in Jacobabad City, Sindh Province, Pakistan, while overseeing the distribution of relief materials for flood-affected people. No official charge has been made nor case registered against Mr. Ali Shaikh so far. Since the time of arrest, Ali Shaikh has had no access to communication and his exact whereabouts are unknown. It is feared that Liaquat Ali Shaikh may be subject to physical torture during his detention.
Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, wrote yesterday to the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Canada Mian Gul Akbar Zeb as well as to Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Deepak Obhrai asking for the support of the governments of Pakistan and Canada.
“I am very concerned for Liaquat’s safety and well-being. I would be most grateful for any efforts that can be made to ensure his safety and release,” wrote May in her letter.
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Media Contact:
Stéphane Vigneault
Communications Coordinator, Green Party of Canada
cell: 613.614.4916