IHC issues contempt notices to PM, cabinet in Aafia Siddiqui case

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Judge Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq on Monday issued contempt notices to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of his cabinet over the government’s failure to submit a report in the case of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.

The contempt notices were issued during the hearing of a petition filed by Dr Fauzia Siddiqui, seeking her sister’s repatriation, medical updates and release from US custody.

The judge issued the contempt notices after the federal government failed to comply with the court’s July 12 directive to submit a report regarding Dr Siddiqui’s health, legal status, and possible repatriation.

Dr Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist, is currently serving a prison sentence at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Carswell in the United States after being convicted in 2010 for the attempted murder of US personnel in Afghanistan.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq, while issuing the order, said the court had previously cautioned the additional attorney general that continued non-compliance would result in contempt proceedings. The judge had also warned that the entire cabinet could be summoned over the delay.

Justice Sardar Ishaq said the next hearing in the Dr Aafia Siddiqui case will be held on the first working day after the court’s holidays, adding that the cause list is managed by the Chief Justice’s office.

“The government has filed an appeal against my decision in the Supreme Court. A judge cannot continue working during holidays even if he wishes to. My leave was to begin today, but the Dr Fauzia Siddiqui case and others were scheduled,” he said.

Justice Ishaq further stated that he had instructed his personal secretary to write to the chief justice regarding the cause list. “I was informed on Thursday that no list would be issued until changes were made. I am issuing contempt notices to every member of the federal cabinet,” he added.