Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC), on Friday, emphasized the urgency in the ongoing legal proceedings concerning Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist incarcerated in the United States. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaque, presiding over the case, ordered that the approved amicus brief be presented to the court by Monday. He issued a stern warning to the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), mandating his personal court appearance should the brief not be submitted, with a potential fine of Rs1 million imposed for non-compliance.
According to Aafia Movement, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, chairperson of the Aafia Movement and a renowned neurophysician, has petitioned for her sister’s release on compassionate grounds, citing severe concerns about her health. Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui expressed that the primary goal of this legal action is to expedite Dr. Aafia’s repatriation to Pakistan for immediate medical treatment, stating that there is no desire for inquiry or revenge.
The IHC criticized the MoFA’s reluctance to approve the amicus brief, highlighting inadequate legal advice and unnecessary involvement in the details of the Motion for Compassionate Release prepared by Mr. Smith. The court expects the MoFA to provide a substantial justification for their stance by the next hearing, scheduled for Monday at 10:00 am.
Additionally, the court was informed about progress on a prisoner transfer agreement with the United States, expecting a prompt update on when the draft will be presented to the U.S. government.