The federal government informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday that the proposed exchange of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui for Shakeel Afridi is not a viable option.
IHC Judge Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan presided over the hearing of a petition seeking Siddiqui’s release from a US prison.
During the proceedings, Additional Attorney General Manzoor Iqbal Dogar stated that the suggestion to swap Afridi for Siddiqui’s freedom was not practical. The proposal had initially been put forward by Dr. Siddiqui’s legal representative, Clive Smith, as part of efforts to secure her repatriation.
Dogar also pointed out concerns over a draft petition submitted in a US court regarding Siddiqui’s case. Justice Khan expressed surprise at the government’s position, noting that it seemed to withdraw support for Siddiqui’s legal efforts in the US.
The court instructed the law officer to consult the government and submit a response addressing any objections by the next hearing, scheduled for the following Friday.
Dogar further explained that both Shakeel Afridi and Aafia Siddiqui hold Pakistani nationality, adding that Pakistan does not have a prisoner exchange agreement with the United States.
Justice Khan also inquired about Afridi’s significance to the US and sought updates on his case. Court assistant Zainab Janjua informed the court that Afridi’s conviction is under appeal in the Peshawar High Court (PHC).
Fauzia Siddiqui’s lawyer, Imran Shafiq, highlighted that Afridi is facing charges related to espionage and aiding foreign entities.
Dogar also revealed that a formal letter regarding Siddiqui’s release was sent on February 19, but it was rejected by former US President Joe Biden without acknowledgment. Justice Khan raised concerns about the lack of a formal response from the White House and questioned the diplomatic approach of sending a letter without follow-up.
The IHC subsequently adjourned the hearing until next Friday.
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is currently serving an 86-year sentence in the United States after being convicted in 2010 by a federal court in New York on charges of attempted murder and other offenses.
