IHC Slams Govt Over Delay in Aafia Siddiqui Report
IHC Warns Federal Govt Over Delay in Dr. Aafia Siddiqui Case Report
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday expressed strong dissatisfaction with the federal government over its continued failure to submit a report regarding its refusal to assist in Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case in a U.S. court.
Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan, who presided over the hearing, was responding to a petition filed by Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, the sister of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, currently imprisoned in the United States.
The judge sternly questioned the government’s inaction, reminding officials that they had been ordered in June to provide a written explanation.
“If the federal government’s report is not submitted, I will summon the entire cabinet. Why shouldn’t contempt proceedings be initiated against all cabinet members, including the Prime Minister?” Justice Ijaz remarked during the proceedings.
The court gave the government additional time to present the report but warned of serious legal repercussions if delays persist.
Dr. Fauzia’s counsel, Imran Shafiq, appeared before the court, along with Additional Attorney General Rashid Hafeez, who represented the federal government.
Justice Ijaz made it clear that he would not allow procedural hurdles or administrative powers to obstruct the course of justice. “Even on a holiday, I am ready to hear this case. I will not let justice be defeated,” he said. He also criticized the past misuse of judges’ rosters to sway decisions and vowed to uphold the integrity and authority of the high court.
Earlier, the IHC had granted the government time to explain its lack of cooperation in U.S. legal proceedings related to Dr. Aafia’s case. However, no satisfactory explanation has been submitted so far, prompting the court’s stern response.
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