The letters I sent to DG ISI, Army Chief for Aafia’s release were returned: Dr Fawzia

During a hearing in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding the repatriation of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, her sister, Dr Fawzia Siddiqui, revealed that she had written letters to the Director General of ISI and the Army Chief, urging their intervention for Aafia's release from a US prison.

Dr Fawzia presented evidence of these letters, which were acknowledged with official signatures.

Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan presided over the hearing, which was attended by Dr Fawzia, lawyer Imran Shafiq, Munawar Iqbal Dogal, and others. US-based lawyer Clive Smith joined the proceedings via video link.

Dr Fawzia shared that she had also reached out to the President, Prime Minister, Chief of Army Staff, DG ISI, and the Ministries of Defence and Interior, seeking their cooperation in bringing Dr Aafia back to Pakistan.

She further informed the court that she had applied for a B-category US visa, her passport had not been returned.

The court directed the relevant authorities to immediately return her passport. Additionally, the court ordered the Foreign Secretary to ensure the provision of a US.visa for Dr Fawzia.

Pakistani neuroscientist's lawyer in the US, Clive Smith revealed that a delegation advocating for Dr Aafia was scheduled to visit the US for eight days but arrived five days late, leaving only two days for their proceedings.

He also mentioned that he had a scheduled meeting with Dr Aafia on the same day.

When the court inquired about the status of Dr Fawzia’s US visa, the court registrar noted that her visa application had been rejected.

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that a new visa application was under process and expected to be approved soon.

Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan criticised the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their negligence, questioning why Pakistani diplomat in the US had failed to expedite the matter.

The court adjourned the hearing until Friday, instructing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that Dr Fawzia obtains a B-category visa without further delay.