Pakistan govt refuses to take up Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s case in US court

The Government of Pakistan has decided not to participate in or assist with legal efforts for Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s release from a US prison. However, the reason for distancing from the matter has not yet been disclosed.

On Monday, Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) heard a case regarding Dr Siddiqui’s imprisonment. During the hearing, the Additional Attorney General informed the court that the government has decided against pursuing the case in a US court.

When Justice Ishaq inquired about the rationale behind the decision, the AAG was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation.

“I have conveyed the government's decision,” the AAG told the court. In response, Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq remarked, “The decision is either taken by the government or by the Attorney General, such decisions are always based on reasons. No decision is made without justification.”

Read: Dr Aafia fails to receive presidential pardon from Joe Biden

“It is not acceptable for a representative to simply present a decision in court without stating the reasons behind it,” the judge added.

The IHC directed the AAG to inform the court of the pros and cons of the matter by the next hearing. The judge also instructed the government to submit a comprehensive explanation for its decision not to become a party in Dr Siddiqui’s case. The hearing was adjourned until July 4.

Last year, a clemency petition seeking Dr Siddiqui’s release was submitted to the White House. Prior to that, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formally requested US President Joe Biden to pardon and release Dr Aafia Siddiqui.