Aafia Siddiqui case: IHC raises question on US silence on PM’s letter

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has inquired about United States’ silence behind the letter sent by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pertaining to Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s release and repatriation. This was raised on Friday during a hearing with reference to the plea submitted by her sister, Dr Fauzia Siddiqui.

The session which was presided by Justice Sardar Ashiq, demanded details of the PM and the foreign minister’s overseas visits coinciding with the plea seeking clemency for Dr Aafia Siddiqui.

Likewise, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) was also directed to submit a report on the declaration made by Dr Aafia’s American lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith. Justice Ashiq also instructed the ministry to handle the matter at a diplomatic level.

Dr Aafia, is currently imprisoned in the United States, and efforts are being made to secure her release and return to Pakistan.

Also read: Dr Aafia Siddiqui denied imam visits

Referring to a concern regarding visa issuance of Dr Fauzia, the court has observed that as a sovereign nation, the US has the authority to reject anyone’s visa but ultimately diplomatic channels should be used to address such matters. MOFA’s representative informed the court that there had been no response yet to the letter written by the PM to US President Joe Biden.

The lawyer informed the court that the Pakistani mission in the US had completed the due process to arrange delegation’s meeting with Dr Aafia. The court also questioned the Additional Attorney General about the whereabouts of the Pakistani ambassador when the delegation arrived late, as per the documents. Justice Ashiq questioned the significance of the fact that there has been no response to the letter written by the PM, stressing that the Pakistani ambassador should have already met with the Biden administration along with the delegation.

The case has been adjourned till January 13, 2025.

In October earlier, the Government of Pakistan has written a letter to the US President, seeking clemency with PM Sharif personally addressing the letter to Biden, requesting a pardon for Dr Siddiqui. This development had been revealed by Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal during a hearing at the Islamabad High Court.  

Amid already rampant reports of torture, it was revealed a few weeks ago that that Dr Aafia was not permitted to meet with Imam Omar Sulaiman. The imam attempted to visit her but he was stopped by the prison officials. He has shared that he has been trying to visit Dr Aafia, but he is being stopped to hide human rights abuses happening inside the prison.