IHC approves amending plea for Dr Aafia’s release

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has approved the plea for amending the petition filed by Dr Fouzia Siddiqui in connection with release and return of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.

The court directed counsel Imran Shafiq to file the amended petition within a week.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan remarked Aafia Siddiqui case has now become a movement. The problem will neither be resolved by abolishing this petition. The steps needed to be taken by the government have been taken by this court. The US visa was given to Dr Fouzia Siddiqui due to court’s decision. The PM wrote letter to the US administration seeking forgiveness for her on the court’s order. Similarly, Dr Fouzia Siddiqui meeting with her sister and the visit of the Pakistani delegation to Dr Aafia became possible due to court’s interference. He gave these remarks during a hearing of the petition regarding release and return of Dr Aafia Siddiqui to Pakistan.

The court inquired why the government wants to wrap up this petition. How would the government benefit from it. The AAG said the government has done all that it could have done. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan replied this is a long struggle, adding that the case has now become a movement. The problem will neither end nor will it be solved by abolishing this petition. The steps meant be taken by the government were taken by this court. The court while accepting plea of counsel Shafiq for amending Dr Fouzia’s petition directed him to file it within a week. The hearing was adjourned for two weeks.