IHC denies five-week delay request in Aafia Siddiqui case

Calling for swift action, Islamabad High Court adjourns hearing until September 13.

Listen to article

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court has rejected a request for a five-week delay in the case concerning the release and repatriation of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, currently imprisoned in the United States. The hearing has been adjourned until September 13.

During the session on Thursday, Additional Attorney General (AAG) requested the court to grant more time for a policy decision on Siddiqui's mercy appeal.

However, the court denied the request and instructed the government to share the draft of the mercy petition with the Pakistani authorities within a week.

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's lawyer, Clive Smith, participated in the hearing via video link, arguing for immediate action on the petition.

Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan presided over the case, questioning the government’s hesitation in supporting 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 intended to file a motion in the United States, to which the AAG responded that a policy decision would be necessary if the American attorney agrees to file the motion.

The court criticised the lack of clear action from the government and urged Smith to proceed with filing the motion in the US.

The AAG requested that the draft mercy appeal to the US President be shared with the government before any policy decision is made.

However, the court dismissed the request for additional time and set the next hearing for September 13.