IHC Seeks Clarification on ISI’s Evidence and Authority Regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s Transfer and Her Children’s Status.
The Islamabad High Court has mandated a comprehensive report on Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s extradition to U.S. authorities, with a deadline set for Friday.
The court convened to address concerns about Dr. Siddiqui’s health and her potential return to Pakistan. Fauzia Siddiqui, Dr. Siddiqui’s sister, appeared via video link and emphasized that the Pakistani government holds the key to her return, urging swift action while the Biden administration remains in office to avoid delays with a new U.S. administration.
Dr. Siddiqui’s lawyer, Mr. Smith, submitted an affidavit to the court, which has requested a detailed account of the extradition process by Friday. Fauzia Siddiqui raised concerns that her sister is enduring undue hardship in U.S. custody, including alleged mistreatment for reading the Quran.
In his affidavit, Mr. Smith revealed that in 2003, the Sindh government transferred Dr. Siddiqui and her children to the ISI, which subsequently handed them over to the United States.
The Islamabad High Court has sought clarification on two points: whether the ISI possessed evidence related to Dr. Siddiqui and whether it had the authority to transfer her and her children to U.S. authorities.
The Additional Attorney General requested that the issues concerning the agencies involved be addressed separately to avoid complicating the petition. Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan questioned how the issue could be separated once it is in court and stated that no orders would be issued at this time.
He instructed that a detailed report addressing the judiciary’s questions be provided by Friday. Additionally, the court directed the Foreign Ministry’s lawyer to submit a thorough response from their office, with a warning that failure to do so would result in all parties being held in court.
The hearing was adjourned until Friday, with the Additional Attorney General and the Foreign Ministry instructed to deliver detailed reports.
