Islamabad, The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to take necessary steps for arranging a contact meeting between Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui and her jailed sister Dr. Aafia Siddiqui without a glass wall barrier. This ruling came after an urgent hearing case was filed by Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, seeking direct contact with her sister, who is currently imprisoned.
According to Aafia Movement, Advocate Imran Shafique, representing Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, stated that the IHC has instructed the MoFA to communicate with the US administration for the arrangement of a contact meeting between the Siddiqui sisters. The court emphasized that the MoFA should also formally protest with the US government about this matter, in accordance with legal protocols. However, the court acknowledged that the regulations governing US jails are subject to US laws and fall under the jurisdiction of US courts.
During the hearing, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan expressed his concerns to the media. He criticized the Pakistani government for its inaction regarding the alleged sexual abuse of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui in a US jail. Senator Khan urged the Pakistani government to lodge a formal protest with the US government and address this issue in line with international laws.
Senator Khan also shared his personal efforts to meet Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, revealing that he applied for a US visa through MoFA but is still awaiting approval. He expressed his intention to visit the US and meet Dr. Aafia Siddiqui once he obtains the required visa.
Additionally, Senator Khan criticized previous Pakistani governments for their failure to effectively handle Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case. He appealed to the current caretaker government to actively engage with the US government to put an end to Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s alleged abuse in prison and to seek her urgent repatriation.