Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved financial assistance for a delegation travelling to the United States to advocate for Dr Aafia Siddiqui's release and medical treatment, the federal government informed the IHC on Monday.
Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal disclosed this during a hearing presided over by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan. The court was hearing a petition filed by Dr Fouzia Siddiqui, Aafia's sister, seeking her release and improved medical care.
Duggal confirmed that the prime minister had signed the summary to fund the delegation's expenses.
Meanwhile, a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the court that visa applications for the delegation had been submitted and were likely to be approved within a week.
"We are providing all possible assistance to Dr Fouzia Siddiqui," Duggal assured the court.
The court was told that Senator Irfan Siddiqui, who was initially expected to accompany the delegation, would not be travelling due to personal reasons. Instead, Senator Bushra will accompany the delegation.
Justice Khan adjourned the hearing until January 13.
It is pertinent to note that during the hearing, the court had directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send a summary to the prime minister for a decision on who would cover the delegation's expenses.
Dr Siddiqui's US-based lawyer, Clive Smith, had joined the hearing via video link, saying that the visit now has a higher chance of success.
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