ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday directed the federal government to file the long-pending amicus brief in the Dr Aafia Siddiqui case, warning that the matter could not remain pending any longer. A larger bench of the IHC, headed by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, took up the petition filed by Dr Siddiqui’s sister, Dr Fawzia Siddiqui.
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The bench also comprised Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, Justice Muhammad Azam Khan, and Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas. Advocate Imran Shafiq appeared on behalf of the petitioner, while Additional Attorney General (AAG) Rashid Hafeez represented the federal government. The petition primarily seeks the repatriation of Dr Aafia Siddiqui from the United States.
Justice Tahir noted that the repatriation request had been added later through an amendment and was not part of the original petition. The AAG told the court that Pakistan has an extradition treaty with the US, but the matter is complicated due to sensitive foreign policy considerations. He added that Dr Siddiqui, an American citizen, was convicted under US law and that the government had facilitated visa arrangements and other support.
اسلام آباد ہائی کورٹ نے عافیہ صدیقی کیس میں Amicus brief جمع نہ کرنے پر حکومت پر برہمی کا اظہار کرتے ہوئے 20 جنوری تک آخری مہلت دے دی۔ سماعت میں ایڈوکیٹ عمران شفیق، مشتاق احمد خان، اعظم منہاس، انتخاب عالم سوری اور حفیظ خٹک بھی موجود تھے۔@SenatorMushtaq @HamidMirPAK @CliveSSmith pic.twitter.com/KK25JxlHHY
— Aafia Movement (@Aafiamovement) December 3, 2025
The AAG also informed the bench that medical care for Dr Siddiqui was being provided according to US prison regulations, though access to a doctor of her own choosing is not allowed. Justice Tahir expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress, noting that repeated hearings before a four-member bench were not feasible.
The judge reprimanded the AAG for failing to submit the court-ordered amicus brief and for not following previous directives. The bench directed the federal government to immediately file the brief, cautioning that delays would unnecessarily prolong relief for the petitioner.
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The court was informed that the federal government had challenged a previous IHC decision in the Supreme Court, but the appeal has yet to be fixed for hearing. Proceedings were adjourned and the case has been scheduled for hearing on January 20, after the IHC’s winter recess.