Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s repartition procedure was told by her American lawyer Clive Smith to the court of law.
The Islamabad High Court has asked the federal government to submit a response by February 21 regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release and return.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan of the Islamabad High Court heard a miscellaneous petition in the case. It was concerning Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release from U.S. custody and repatriation.
“By not releasing Aafia, the U.S. is showing us our place,” says the Islamabad High Court.
Dr. Aafia’s American lawyer, Clive Smith, submitted a new declaration in court.
Clive Smith stated that Dr. Aafia Siddiqui could be brought back to Pakistan by handing over Shakeel Afridi to the U.S.
Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal, lawyer Imran Shafiq, and judicial assistant Zainab Janjua appeared before the court.
“A major decision by a U.S. judge has sparked new hope for Aafia Siddiqui.”
The court inquired about the government’s stance on exchanging Shakeel Afridi for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s repatriation.
It was noted that Pakistan’s Prime Minister had written a letter to former U.S. President Joe Biden, but no response was received.
The IHC asked what steps the Foreign Ministry took regarding the Prime Minister’s letter.
Every question raised in the declaration must be addressed.
The Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing while directing the federal government to respond to Clive Smith’s declaration by February 21.
