IHC issues show-cause notice to federal cabinet in Dr Aafia case

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sent a show-cause notice to the federal cabinet for contempt of court in the case regarding the release and repatriation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.

The hearing, conducted by Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan, was conducted on a petition by Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who is presently jailed in the United States.

Justice Ijaz Ishaq showed deep indignation at the federal government for not presenting a report on why it declined to help in Dr. Aafia’s case before an American court despite being ordered to do so in June.

“If the report of the federal government is not produced, I will call the whole cabinet. Why shouldn’t contempt proceedings be initiated against the whole cabinet, including the Prime Minister?” the judge said.

The court granted the government time to submit the report, warning of serious legal consequences for further delays.

The hearing was attended by Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui’s lawyer, Imran Shafiq, and Additional Attorney General Rashid Hafeez, representing the federal government.

The judge stressed that he was committed to delivering justice, even on a holiday, and would not let administrative powers thwart judicial authority. “In the past, the roster of judges was used to decide cases in a particular manner. I will not let justice be vanquished,” Justice Ijaz announced. He promised to employ his judicial powers to maintain the respect of the high court.

Earlier, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) gave time to the federal government the file a report to justify why it is denying cooperation in the US court regarding Dr. Aafia’s case.

The court showed grave displeasure at the government’s persistent failure to file a report justifying its attitude.