The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued contempt notices to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of the federal cabinet for their failure to respond to critical inquiries regarding the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned in the United States. The court’s decision comes after repeated government inaction in addressing issues surrounding Dr. Siddiqui’s health, release, and repatriation.
On Monday, the IHC, led by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq, directed the issuance of contempt notices after the federal government failed to submit a report in the case. The government had been instructed earlier to provide a detailed response regarding Dr. Siddiqui’s case, including updates on her health condition and the steps taken towards her repatriation. Despite multiple warnings, the government did not comply, leading to the contempt notice.
Dr. Siddiqui, who was convicted in 2010 by a U.S. court on charges related to the attempted murder of U.S. personnel in Afghanistan, has been serving her sentence at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Carswell, Texas. Her family and supporters have long called for her repatriation, arguing that her health is deteriorating in custody.
Justice Ishaq expressed frustration over the government’s lack of action and criticized the ongoing delays. The judge emphasized that this inaction could no longer be tolerated, stating that all members of the federal government, including the prime minister, would have to submit their responses within two weeks.
The case has been highly contentious, with various legal and administrative hurdles blocking progress. In his ruling, Justice Ishaq also made remarks about the misuse of administrative power, claiming that the executive had interfered with judicial proceedings. He noted that he had been informed that the chief justice had not signed off on his leave request, which he believed was part of a broader attempt to control the court’s workings.
During the hearing, Dr. Siddiqui’s legal representative, Imran Shafiq, and former senator Mushtaq Ahmed were present. The legal proceedings will continue, with a further hearing scheduled for the first working day after Justice Ishaq’s return from his leave.
