Show-Cause Notice to Govt in Aafia Siddiqui Case by IHC

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued a show-cause notice to the federal cabinet, warning of contempt of court in relation to the government’s inaction in the case of Dr Aafia Siddiqui. The case revolves around her release, health, and repatriation from the United States.

The notice was issued by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan during the hearing of a petition filed by Dr Fauzia Siddiqui, Aafia’s sister. The judge expressed his frustration over the government’s repeated failure to submit a progress report, and he scheduled the next hearing for the first working day after the court’s summer break.

Justice Ejaz Ishaq shared that although he was willing to hear the case during the court’s holidays, administrative restrictions tied to the chief justice’s control over the court roster prevented him from doing so. He said his personal secretary had formally requested a change in the cause list, but the request wasn’t processed in time.

Referencing past cases where special adjustments were made to court schedules, Justice Ishaq emphasized that he would not allow justice to be delayed or denied. He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the court’s authority and using his powers to ensure fairness in the case.

The judge also pointed out that the federal government has appealed his previous decision in the Supreme Court, and the matter is currently pending there. Despite this, he made it clear that Dr Fauzia Siddiqui is the daughter of Pakistan, and justice for her remains a top priority.

Source: Web Desk