The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday directed the federal government to file a complete amicus brief in the Dr Aafia Siddiqui case by January 20, 2026.

A larger bench headed by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and comprising Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, Justice Azam Khan and Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas heard the petition filed by Dr Fowzia Siddiqui seeking her sister’s repatriation from a US prison.

Justice Tahir remarked that the court wanted to conclude the matter but lacked the capacity to hear the case daily.

The Additional Attorney General for Pakistan (AAGP) informed the bench that government directives had been implemented, but said Pakistan could not interfere in sentences announced by US courts.

He added that many of the court’s earlier directions touched on foreign policy.

Advocate Imran Shafiq, representing the petitioner, said the request centred on the repatriation of Dr Aafia. Justice Tahir noted that this point was not part of the original petition and questioned whether a formal prisoner-exchange agreement existed between Pakistan and the United States.

The bench asked whether the federal government had challenged the earlier IHC order.

The AAGP stated that an appeal had been filed in the Supreme Court, but the case had not yet been scheduled for hearing.

Justice Tahir observed that delays in the Supreme Court would prolong the matter further and said the Attorney General’s office could seek an early hearing.

The court also questioned whether Pakistan had taken up the issue of medical facilities for Dr Aafia with US authorities.

The AAGP responded that US prisons provide medical care but do not allow inmates to choose their own doctor.

The bench then directed the federal government to submit the required amicus brief and adjourned the hearing until January 20.