Islamabad, The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has expressed concern over the lack of serious legal actions by the Pakistani government regarding the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, despite the years that have passed since her detention. The court has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to convene a stakeholders’ conference to address the issue.

According to Aafia Movement, during a recent hearing, the IHC, led by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaque Khan, heard from the amici curiae appointed to assist the court in Dr. Siddiqui’s case. Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif and Ms. Zainab Janjua reported minimal effort from the Pakistani government to intervene legally or diplomatically on behalf of Dr. Siddiqui, a Pakistani prisoner in the US.

Barrister Saif, connecting via video link, conveyed his findings that Pakistan has done little over the last 21 years to facilitate Dr. Siddiqui’s release or to protect the rights of Pakistani prisoners abroad. In response, the IHC showed its displeasure with the government’s inaction and emphasized the need for an official diplomatic request to the US for Dr. Siddiqui’s release.

Outside the courthouse, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mushtaq Ahmed Khan expressed gratitude towards the IHC for its attention to the case and highlighted the court’s revelations regarding the government’s lack of initiative. He asserted that Dr. Siddiqui’s freedom could be swiftly achieved should the Pakistani authorities make a concerted effort.

Attending the hearing online were Dr. Siddiqui’s sister, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, and her American lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith, along with Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui’s lawyer Imran Shafique and DG MoFA Dr. Aijaz. The court’s actions mark a critical juncture in a case that has drawn international attention and advocacy for the rights of detainees.