The Islamabad High Court has denied a request for a five-week postponement in the case regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release and repatriation from the United States. The hearing has been rescheduled for September 13.
During Thursday’s session, the Additional Attorney General (AAG) sought extra time for a policy decision on Siddiqui’s mercy appeal. However, the court rejected this request and instructed the government to provide a draft of the mercy petition to Pakistani authorities within a week.
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s lawyer, Clive Smith, participated via video link, advocating for prompt action on the petition. Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan, who presided over the case, questioned the government’s reluctance to support Siddiqui’s case.
The AAG assured the court of the government’s support for Siddiqui’s sister, Fouzia Siddiqui, but noted that policy decisions at this level require time. Justice Ishaq pressed the AAG to clarify whether the government plans to file a motion in the United States. The AAG replied that such a motion would require a policy decision if the American attorney agrees to file it.
The court criticized the government’s lack of decisive action and urged Smith to move forward with filing the motion in the U.S. The AAG requested that the draft mercy appeal to the U.S. President be reviewed by the government before making a policy decision. Nevertheless, the court denied the request for additional time and set the next hearing for September 13.
