Islamabad High Court inquires about Dr Aafia Siddiqui's extradition to US

The Islamabad High Court has ordered a detailed report on the extradition of Dr Aafia Siddiqui to US authorities by Friday.

The court heard the case regarding Dr Aafia Siddiqui's health and her return to Pakistan.

Aafia Siddiqui's sister, Fauzia Siddiqui, appeared in court via video link and stated that the key to Dr Aafia Siddiqui's return lies with the Pakistani government.

She urged the government to assist since the Biden administration is in office, as the matter might get delayed with the arrival of a new US administration.

Aafia's lawyer, Mr. Smith, submitted his affidavit to the court. The court has requested a detailed report on Aafia Siddiqui's extradition to American authorities by Friday.

Fauzia Siddiqui mentioned that Dr Aafia is being subjected to shocks in American jail for reading the Quran.

In his affidavit, Aafia's lawyer, Mr. Smith, stated that in 2003, the Sindh government handed Aafia Siddiqui and her children over to the ISI, and the ISI then handed them over to the United States.

The Islamabad High Court has asked two questions regarding Aafia Siddiqui’s extradition to American authorities: whether the ISI had any evidence related to Aafia Siddiqui, and whether the ISI had the mandate to transfer Aafia and her children to another party.

The Additional Attorney General requested that questions related to the agencies regarding Aafia Siddiqui’s extradition be kept separate, or the purpose of the petition would not be resolved.

Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan inquired how the issue could be kept separate once it is in court and stated that he is not issuing any orders today.

He instructed for the provision of e a detailed report on the judiciary's questions by Friday.

The court also instructed the Foreign Ministry’s lawyer to provide a detailed response from their office, or else everyone would be kept in the court.

The hearing was adjourned until Friday with a request for detailed reports from the Additional Attorney General and the Foreign Ministry.