Additional Attorney General (AAG) informs court that Aafia is a US national and is serving her sentence in the United States, where Pakistan cannot interfere in judicial system
ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Dec 3rd, 2025) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday directed the Federal government to submit a comprehensive briefing by January 20 regarding the health condition and possible repatriation of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.
During the hearing, the Additional Attorney General (AAG) informed the court that Aafia is a US national and is serving her sentence in the United States, where Pakistan cannot interfere in the judicial system.
A larger bench comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, Justice Muhammad Azam Khan and Justice Inam Amin Minhas heard the petition filed by Aafia Siddiqui’s sister, Dr Fauzia Siddiqui.
Petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Imran Shafiq, and AAG Rashid Hafeez appeared before the court. Advocate Imran Shafiq argued that the petition primarily concerns Aafia Siddiqui’s repatriation.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir observed that the original petition did not include such a request and noted that Pakistan has a prisoner-exchange agreement with the United States. The counsel further argued that the court had already issued directions, and a contempt petition was also pending. The AAG responded that several foreign policy issues were involved.
The bench asked whether the federal government had challenged the earlier order, noting that contempt notices had been issued for non-compliance. The AAG informed the court that the IHC decision had been challenged in the Supreme Court, but the case had not yet been fixed for a hearing.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir remarked that the prolonged delay was unfair to the petitioner, questioning why the case was not being scheduled promptly. The court also inquired whether US authorities had responded to Pakistan’s concerns about medical facilities.
The AAG said the US authorities replied that adequate medical facilities were available in the prison, but they could not allow a doctor of the petitioner’s choice. He added that the government had facilitated visas and other processes but Pakistan could not intervene in another country’s internal judicial matters, especially since Aafia Siddiqui is a US national serving a sentence handed down in the United States.
The court directed the AAG to ensure the federal government submits a detailed briefing, adding that “the government must take some steps.”
The court adjourned further hearing of the case until January 20.
