The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has requested detailed reports on the foreign visits of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, particularly those related to efforts for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui from the United States.
Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan presided over the plea filed by Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s sister, seeking her release. Dr. Fowzia, accompanied by her lawyer Imran Shafiq, former senator Mushtaq, and other representatives, participated in the hearing via video link.
The session also included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Additional Attorney General. Dr. Aafia’s U.S. attorney, Clive Smith, provided a declaration to the court, which was commended by the bench. The court directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to escalate the matter through diplomatic channels.
Justice Khan questioned why the Pakistani ambassador in the U.S. had not taken a proactive role in Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case. The court was informed that the U.S. administration had not responded to a letter sent by PM Shehbaz Sharif regarding her situation.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of progress, the court emphasized the importance of engaging with the U.S. administration and tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with arranging a meeting between Pakistani representatives and the Biden administration.
The IHC adjourned the hearing until January 13, instructing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide a comprehensive report on the prime minister’s and foreign minister’s efforts regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case.
