Govt to file clemency appeal for Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s release in US

The federal government has decided to submit a separate clemency appeal for the release of Pakistani citizen Dr Aafia Siddiqui, currently imprisoned in the US, on humanitarian grounds. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to raise the issue during his upcoming visit to the United Nations.

The Islamabad High Court, under Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan, issued a written order on Saturday following a recent hearing of a petition filed by Dr Fouzia Siddiqui, Aafia Siddiqui's sister, seeking her release.

The court’s order revealed that Pakistan’s Attorney General appeared in court and assured that the government had no objection to supporting the clemency appeal on humanitarian grounds.

"The government has no reason not to stand with the clemency appeal prepared by Dr Fouzia Siddiqui’s legal team," the Attorney General informed the court.

The court further noted that the government will submit a separate clemency petition for Dr Aafia Siddiqui, and the matter will also be discussed with US officials during the prime minister’s visit to the UN.

Additionally, the order mentioned that according to the Additional Attorney General, progress is being made on a prisoner exchange agreement with the US, with a three-week period requested for further developments.

The court scheduled the next hearing for 18 October 2024.