Houston: Imad Siddiqui, the nephew of imprisoned Pakistani neuroscientist Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, was tragically shot dead by three unidentified gunmen in Houston, the Siddiqui family in Karachi confirmed to international media.
According to family sources, the attackers opened fire during a carjacking and fled the scene immediately. Reports indicate the assailants were traveling in a Chrysler vehicle. Houston authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the identities of the suspects or confirmed a motive behind the attack.
The killing is a devastating blow to the Siddiqui family, who have been in the global spotlight for years due to Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s incarceration in the United States.
Sources familiar with the family told international news outlets that the attack may have been influenced by rising anti-Muslim sentiment in parts of the U.S., including Texas. However, no verified evidence links the incident directly to Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case.
Social media speculation has raised questions about potential motives, with some suggesting a connection to hostility over Dr. Siddiqui, though authorities have not confirmed these claims.
Houston law enforcement has launched a full-scale investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to determine whether the attack was targeted, hate-driven, or purely criminal.
Imad Siddiqui’s funeral prayer is scheduled for today after Zuhr at Sabreen Mosque, where a large number of attendees is expected. The incident has sparked widespread reactions online, with many expressing shock and sorrow.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Aafia Siddiqui remains in U.S. custody, serving a sentence on terrorism-related charges.
