The Islamabad High Court has ordered the authorities to submit a detailed report on the handing over of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui to US officials.
The case was heard by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan.
Dr Siddiqui’s sister, Fowzia Siddiqui, appeared before the court via video link and informed the court that the key to Dr Siddiqui’s return lies with the Government of Pakistan.
She stated that the matter should be resolved during the Biden administration, as a delay until the new US government takes office could further complicate the issue.
Dr Siddiqui’s lawyer, Smith, has submitted an affidavit in the court. The court has now directed the authorities to furnish a comprehensive report on the circumstances surrounding Dr. Aafia’s extradition to the United States.
The Islamabad High Court is closely monitoring the developments in this high-profile case and has taken a firm stance to ensure the safe return of Dr Siddiqui to Pakistan.
The Islamabad High Court has sought answers from the authorities regarding the 2003 handover of Dr Siddiqui and her children to intelligence agencies, who then extradited her to the US.
The court has asked if the agencies had evidence against Dr Siddiqui and the mandate to hand her and her children to someone else.
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The Additional Attorney General’s request to separate the extradition questions was rejected, as the judge wants a comprehensive report on the case. The court is determined to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding Dr Siddiqui’s handover to the US authorities.
The Islamabad High Court has directed the lawyer representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to also submit a detailed response from their office, warning that otherwise, the court will summon everyone involved.
The court has given a deadline of Friday for the Additional Attorney General and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide a comprehensive report on the matter.
The Islamabad High Court has adjourned the hearing, underscoring its determination to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding Dr Siddiqui’s handover to the US authorities, and has sought detailed reports from the relevant government agencies by the end of the week.
