IHC grants time to govt to submit report in Dr Aafia case

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday granted time to federal government for submission of a report to explain why it was refusing to cooperate with the US court in Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s case.

Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan heard the case related to the release and repatriation of Dr Siddiqui from a US jail.

The court expressed strong anger over the federal government’s failure to submit a report.

Advocate Imran Shafiq represented the petitioner, while Additional Attorney General (AAG) Rashid Hafeez and others appeared in the court on behalf of the federation.

During the hearing, the court said a report was sought from the government regarding the reasons for refusing to cooperate with the US court in Dr Aafia’s case.

“If the federal government’s report is not presented, I will summon the entire cabinet,” Justice Ishaq Khan warned, adding the court had sought a response in the month of June.

Talking to the AAG, the judge said: “I am giving three days, the report should be submitted to the court.” However, the AAG requested that he be given a time limit of next week, adding five working days be given. To which, Justice Ishaq Khan said: “I will have annual leave from next week.”

Later, the court accepted the AAG’s request for time limit till next week and adjourned the hearing till July 21.