ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a contempt of court notice to all members of the federal cabinet. The court issued notice for cabinet’s failure to submit a report regarding the case of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned in the United States.
“I am issuing a contempt of court notice to every member of the federal cabinet,” said Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan during the hearing of a petition filed by Dr Fauzia Siddiqui, Dr Aafia’s sister, concerning her health and possible repatriation from the U.S.
While issuing a short order, Justice Ishaq announced that the next hearing will be held on the first working day after the court’s summer recess.
Dr Aafia Siddiqui has been incarcerated in the U.S. for over 14 years, serving an 86-year sentence handed down in 2010 for allegedly attempting to murder U.S. personnel while in custody in Afghanistan. She is currently held at Federal Medical Center Carswell, a high-security prison in Fort Worth, Texas.
In January this year, Dr Siddiqui submitted a clemency request, describing her sentence as “a blatant miscarriage of justice.” The plea was rejected by then U.S. President Joe Biden, just before the end of his term.
During today’s proceedings, Justice Ishaq noted irregularities in the court’s scheduling process. He said Dr Fauzia’s case had been fixed for hearing on Monday, but he was later informed that the cause list had been altered and would not be issued.
“The personal secretary informed me of a roster change. I directed him to write to the Chief Justice,” Justice Ishaq stated, criticizing the Chief Justice’s Office for failing to promptly sign off on the judicial roster.
“The chief justice couldn’t spare even 30 seconds to sign it?” the judge asked, expressing concern that administrative authority was being used to override judicial processes.
“Once again, administrative powers have been exercised where judicial discretion should prevail. I will not allow justice to be undermined. I will use my judicial powers to uphold the dignity of this high court,” Justice Ishaq remarked.
Following these observations, the court formally issued a contempt notice to the federal cabinet, demanding accountability for their inaction in the long-pending Dr Aafia Siddiqui case.
Everyone in Pakistan believes that Dr Aafia has been jailed on fabricated charges in the United States.
