Islamabad, In a major development in the ongoing case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has taken a significant step forward by appointing two amici curiae. This move is intended to assist the court while also facilitating coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Siddiqui’s American lawyer Clive Stafford Smith, and other relevant parties.
According to Aafia Movement, the decision came during a hearing of Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui’s constitutional petition by a single bench of the IHC, comprising Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaque Khan. Advocate Imran Shafique represented the petitioner, with Clive Stafford Smith and Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui appearing via video link. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legal advisors were present to respond on behalf of the government.
The court’s directive highlighted the need for increased visibility and support within the Pakistani diaspora in top-ranked law firms to aid Mr. Smith’s efforts on behalf of Dr. Siddiqui. The order noted several points raised by Mr. Smith that necessitated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ attention, leading to the appointment of Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif and Ms. Zainab Janjua as amici curiae.
This decision underscores the court’s intention to move the case forward constructively, with the amici curiae set to play a crucial role in bridging communication and support gaps between the involved parties. The court has ordered the preparation and dispatch of relevant documents to the newly appointed amici to facilitate this process.