The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has requested detailed information about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s foreign visits, including those related to efforts for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release from the United States.
Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan presided over the hearing of a plea filed by Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, seeking the release of her sister, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.
Dr. Fowzia appeared via video link alongside her lawyer, Imran Shafiq, former senator Mushtaq, and other representatives. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Additional Attorney General also attended, while Dr. Aafia’s U.S.-based lawyer, Clive Smith, submitted a declaration to the court.
Justice Sardar Ijaz appreciated Clive Smith’s declaration and directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the matter diplomatically. He also questioned why the Pakistani ambassador to the U.S. was not actively engaged in the case.
The Foreign Ministry informed the court that no response had been received from U.S. President Joe Biden regarding a letter sent by PM Shehbaz Sharif about Dr. Aafia’s case. The court expressed concern over the lack of action and emphasized that the Pakistani ambassador should have facilitated discussions with the Biden administration.
The IHC has adjourned the hearing until January 13 and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to submit comprehensive reports on the premier and foreign minister’s visits concerning Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case.
