An additional attorney general informs court that federal government has chosen not to become a party in the US case
ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-June 30th, 2025) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday sought reply from the Federal government as to why it declined to provide legal assistance or become a party in the ongoing US court case involving Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.
The development came during a hearing on a petition filed by Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, seeking information on her sister’s health and efforts toward her repatriation. The case was heard by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan.
Petitioner’s counsel Imran Shafiq appeared before the court along with the Additional Attorney General and other government representatives. During the proceedings, the court questioned the government’s decision not to participate in the legal proceedings in the United States and requested a clear rationale for the move.
An additional attorney general informed the court that the federal government had chosen not to become a party in the US case. However, when asked to provide specific reasons, he stated only that the decision had been made without offering further justification.
Justice Ejaz expressed concern over the lack of transparency, noting, “Decisions made by the government or the Attorney General must be backed by reasons. This is a constitutional court — it is unacceptable to simply state a decision without explaining it.”
The court has directed the government to submit a detailed explanation regarding its stance by the next hearing, which has been scheduled for Friday, July 4.
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist, has been imprisoned in the United States since 2010 after being convicted on charges of attempted murder of US personnel in Afghanistan — a case that remains controversial and widely protested in Pakistan.
Her family and human rights activists have long called for her repatriation.
