Islamabad High Court Issues Written Order on Aafia Siddiqui’s Release and Repatriation Petition

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan of the Islamabad High Court has issued a written order regarding the petition seeking the release and repatriation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who is imprisoned in the United States.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan presided over the hearing of the case concerning Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release and return to Pakistan. The written order was subsequently issued by the court.

According to the order, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had written a letter to the U.S. President requesting clemency for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.

The court inquired why the White House had not deemed it appropriate to respond to the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s letter. The court has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide an explanation in this regard.

The order noted that, as per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a reminder letter was also sent to the U.S. administration, but no response was received. Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s American lawyer argued that the lack of a response was against diplomatic norms.

Previously, during the last hearing, despite the court’s order, the record of the Prime Minister’s foreign visits was not submitted. Consequently, the court granted a deadline until next week to provide the details of the Prime Minister’s foreign visits.

The court also instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that the Pakistani ambassador in the U.S. meets with Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui. Additionally, the ministry was directed to extend full cooperation to Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui.