The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to engage with the US ambassador in Pakistan to inquire why a letter from the Prime Minister to US President Joe Biden regarding the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui remains unanswered.
In its written order on the case, the IHC emphasized that this lack of response appears to disregard diplomatic norms. The court directed MoFA to contact the US ambassador no later than the close of business tomorrow and to include details of this communication in its reply.
The IHC stated, “MoFA confirms that the government has yet to receive a response to the Prime Minister’s letter to President Joe Biden seeking Dr. Aafia’s pardon. This is unusual and contrary to standard diplomatic practices, as noted by Mr. Smith during the hearing.”
Additionally, the court ordered MoFA to submit a copy of a reminder previously sent by Pakistan’s Embassy to the US and any replies received in the case record.
Read more: ‘Aafia Siddiqui sexually abused in US jail,’ reveals Talha Mahmood
Earlier, the IHC sought details of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s foreign visits, particularly those related to Dr. Aafia’s release.
Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq presided over the plea filed by Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr. Aafia, who participated in the hearing via video link alongside her lawyer, Imran Shafiq, former senator Mushtaq, and other representatives.
The session also included MoFA officials and Additional Attorney General. Dr. Aafia’s US-based lawyer, Mr. Clive Smith, submitted a declaration, which the court acknowledged and urged MoFA to prioritize diplomatic efforts for Dr. Aafia’s release.
