The Islamabad High Court has encountered a fresh development in the ongoing case concerning the repatriation and welfare of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. The government has submitted a miscellaneous application, seeking the immediate dismissal of the petition for her release.
During the court proceedings, a notice was issued to the government, demanding a response on the matter. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan engaged in a critical dialogue with the Additional Attorney General, challenging the government’s stance on prisoner exchanges with the United States.
“You assert that there is no agreement with the U.S. on prisoner exchanges, yet just yesterday, you transferred the banned ISIS commander Sharifullah without any such agreement,” Justice Ejaz Ishaq Khan pointed out.
He further drew attention to past instances, noting that the government was granted an in-camera opportunity to discuss the potential extradition of Shakil Afridi to the U.S., but failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.
Justice Ejaz Ishaq Khan observed that the government had issued two declarations regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case, but had not provided a convincing response when questioned. “Now, the government seeks to dispose of Aafia Siddiqui’s case entirely,” he stated.
The court has requested a formal response from the government before proceeding with the case.
