Govt sending delegation to US for Dr Aafia’s release, IHC informed

ISLAMABAD: The federal government Friday informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that a delegation is being sent to the United States for release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui. The delegation will comprise former and incumbent parliamentarians, retired or serving military officers, doctors and Aafia’s sister Fouzia Siddiqui.

The additional attorney general (AAG) informed this to the court during hearing of the petition about health of Dr Aafia Siddiqui and bringing her back to Pakistan. IHC Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan heard the petition filed by Fouzia Siddiqui.

The AAG and representative of foreign ministry appeared in the court. Imran Shafiq, counsel for Fouzia Siddiqui, and amicus curiae Zainab Janjua also appeared. The AAG informed the court that the government would send the delegation to the US in November. The Foreign Ministry representative informed the court that the ministry has shared proposal with the US for Prisoners Transfer Agreement (PTA).

Amicus curiae Zainab Janjua said in the court it is Dr Fouzia’s request too and I also think so that medical check of Aafia Siddiqui be got done. The state counsel said that the prime minister has accorded approval to send the delegation to the US.

Justice Sardar Ijaz inquired as to when reply related to the PTA would come. The Foreign Ministry representative said that the reply was expected soon. Zainab Janjua said informed the court about Dr Fouzia Siddiqui and family request that doctors be sent from Pakistan for Dr Aafia. The court adjourned the hearing till next week. It is pertinent to mention here prime minister had written a letter to US President Biden in connection with release of Dr Aafia.