IHC directs government to provide details of official visits regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday directed the federal government to submit a detailed report on all official visits made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari since the filing of clemency appeals for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release from US custody.

The order came during a hearing of a petition filed by Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, Dr. Aafia’s sister, who is seeking her release and repatriation to Pakistan. The hearing was presided over by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, with the petitioner’s counsel, Imran Shafiq, former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, and Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui attending the proceedings via video link. Representatives from the Foreign Office and the Additional Attorney General were also present.

The court reviewed a declaration from Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s US-based lawyer, Clive Smith, and commended his efforts. Justice Khan urged the Foreign Office to engage diplomatically with the US on the matter, acknowledging that while the US is a sovereign state capable of rejecting visa requests, including those from heads of state, diplomatic channels should be used effectively to address sensitive issues like Dr. Aafia’s case.

During the proceedings, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui raised concerns about the lack of a response to a letter sent by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to US President Joe Biden. The Foreign Office representative revealed that no reply had been received from the US. Additionally, the representative mentioned that while arrangements were made for a delegation to meet Dr. Aafia, there had been delays in the process.

The court questioned the lack of proactive efforts by Pakistan’s ambassador to the US, emphasising that such issues require prompt diplomatic action. Justice Khan remarked, “If the executive of a country writes a letter and there’s no response, what should this be interpreted as? The ambassador should have ensured that the delegation met with the Biden administration without delays.”