Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court has summoned the Secretary of Defense personally regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s request for her return to Pakistan.
The court heard the petition concerning Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s health and return from a U.S. prison.
The Ministry of Defense’s response on Dr. Aafia’s extradition to the U.S. was presented in court.
The court has directed the Secretary of Defense to appear personally on Monday.
The Additional Attorney General informed the court that the Ministry of Defense stated that agencies are not involved in Dr. Aafia’s extradition to the U.S.
The Ministry of Defense’s representative claimed that the ISI is not involved in the allegations.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the response, the court indicated that a fine of 1 million rupees may be imposed on the government for not providing a satisfactory answer.
The court also instructed the Additional Attorney General to present strong reasons at the next hearing.
The Additional Attorney General requested more time, stating that it would take time to address the issues.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq granted time until Monday, warning that otherwise, a 1 million rupee fine would be imposed. Dr. Aafia’s sister, Dr. Fouzia, appeared via video link with her lawyer, Smith.
The Additional Attorney General argued that the issue of requesting Dr. Aafia’s release from the U.S. was unclear and suggested presenting the request to the government.
The court stated that it is not the court’s responsibility to move the motion; this is the government’s task. The court questioned the relevance of the documents submitted and their support for the request.
It asked the Additional Attorney General who issued these instructions.
The Additional Attorney General responded that the instructions came from the Director of America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq said he would summon the Director of America to inquire, but the Additional Attorney General mentioned that the director is currently out of the country.
Justice Ishaq directed that the matter be clarified, warning that strict orders would be issued otherwise. The court adjourned the case until Monday.