Islamabad High Court Frustrated by Government Delays in Aafia Siddiqui Case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sharply criticised the federal government’s inaction in the case of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned in the United States since 2008. On 12 July 2025, Dawn.com reported that Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, hearing a petition filed by Siddiqui’s sister, Dr Fowzia Siddiqui, warned of contempt proceedings against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the federal cabinet if a required report is not submitted by 21 July. The case has reignited public concern over Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens detained abroad.

Dr Aafia Siddiqui was convicted in 2010 by a U.S. federal court for the attempted murder of American personnel in Afghanistan and is currently serving an 86-year sentence at FMC Carswell, a federal medical facility in Texas. The petition seeks updates on her health, legal status, and possible repatriation. During the hearing, Justice Khan questioned Additional Attorney General (AAG) Rashid Hafeez over the government’s failure to comply with the court’s previous directive issued in June, asking, “Doesn’t the prime minister already know the situation?”

The court also rejected the government’s refusal to file an amicus curiae brief in a U.S. court, demanding a written explanation at the next hearing. “If the report is not submitted, the entire cabinet could be summoned, including the prime minister,” Justice Khan warned, highlighting potential contempt proceedings.

Public pressure is mounting. Activists such as Usama Khilji told Reuters, “The government’s delays raise doubts about its dedication to protecting Pakistanis overseas.” Prime Minister Sharif had reportedly appealed for clemency to U.S. President Joe Biden in October 2024, but the request was denied. Speaking to The Media Line, Dr Fowzia Siddiqui said, “This is the first serious step by Pakistan,” while urging the government to adopt a stronger diplomatic stance.

Dr Siddiqui’s case remains politically sensitive. Allegations of her alleged links to al-Qaeda, which arose from contested U.S. intelligence and interrogation reports, continue to complicate public perception, though these claims have been widely disputed by her legal team and family.

The Islamabad High Court’s sharp rebuke reflects growing frustration over bureaucratic stalling. As the July 21 deadline approaches, Pakistan’s leadership faces renewed pressure to act decisively. Failure to do so could not only trigger legal consequences but further erode public trust in the government’s commitment to its citizens abroad.