ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) expressed surprise at the government’s changed stance in the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a position starkly different from its earlier positions in court. The single bench of Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaque Khan reviewed the constitutional petition filed by Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui.

According to a statement by Aafia Movement, the court session included appearances from a range of legal representatives and officials, including Advocate Imran Shafique, Muhammad Zahid, Clive A. Stafford Smith, Zainab Janjua, and several government officials from the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The session acknowledged new declarations submitted by Mr. Smith and directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to respond to these submissions.

The court noted contradictions in the replies filed by the Federation in response to the declarations dated February 20, which conflicted with previous positions recorded in court hearings. The refusal by the Additional Attorney General was deemed surprising, as it lacked consideration of the implications on the Federation’s stance.

The court reminded the government that the motion for Dr. Aafia’s case before the US Court would proceed with or without its backing. The IHC questioned whether the government was prepared to face public scrutiny for potentially withdrawing support from the motion, given the global attention on Dr. Aafia’s case.

The court further criticized the government’s refusal to engage with parts of the motion, emphasizing that this stance might hinder ongoing efforts for Dr. Aafia’s release. The global attention on the case suggests that the government’s actions, or lack thereof, are being closely monitored internationally.