Islamabad High Court Patience Thins in Aafia Siddiqui Case and threatened Prime Minister
In a dramatic turn of occasions, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sent a stern and unequivocal message to the federal government regarding its routine negligence within the Aafia Siddiqui case. The court registry expressed frustration regarding the lack of a growth document relating to the repatriation, health status, and criminal efforts linked to Dr. Siddiqui. Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan made it absolutely crystal clear non-cooperation would wish to result in contempt proceedings against the highest possible rungs of government, including the Prime Minister himself.
Judiciary Asks Questions of the Government’s Intentions
The trial, which was initiated through a petition submitted by means of Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui Aafia’s sister had her criminal attorney, Advocate Imran Shafiq, arrive before the court. Acting on behalf of the federal government, Additional Attorney General Rashid Hafeez prepared himself on the receiving end of stringent judicial examination.
Justice Ijaz Ishaq Khan was not minced in words. “A reaction was as soon as requested in June, but no file has been given,” he said with clear disappointment. The decide reminded the courtroom that this wasn’t just a procedural failure, but a count number of national dignity and human rights.
“Why Should the Prime Minister Be Exempt?”
In what is merely the best described as “judicial bombshell,” the courtroom signaled to call up the entire federal cabinet, saying that defiance would perhaps prompt “instantaneous contempt complaints against the Prime Minister and federal ministers.” “This court has the facility to summon no longer just the ministers but the Prime Minister as well,” Justice Khan cautioned.
He similarly emphasised that justice delayed in Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case used to be quickly turning into justice denied. “Why must the Prime Minister now not be made answerable? Is he unaware of Aafia Siddiqui’s plight?” he requested rhetorically at some stage in the hearing.
Federal Government Seeks Extension, Court Stands Firm
While the authorities sought 5 working days to provide the report, Justice Khan informed that his annual go away would begin shortly, thus setting a strict deadline. The court docket allocated only three days for filing and adjourned the listening to until July 21 making it abundantly clear that no such extend would be allowed.
The request from Dr. Fawzia Siddiqui’s felony crew to meet with the Prime Minister and the cupboard used to be additionally addressed. But the court docket regarded skeptical of such conferences yielding actual results. “What would assembly the Prime Minister achieve? Isn’t he already knowledgeable of this case?” Justice Khan posed, casting doubt on the sincerity of political efforts.
A Moment of Reckoning Approaches
The Aafia Siddiqui case, long languishing in diplomatic limbo, has once again catapulted into the spotlight of Pakistan’s legal and political scene. As the Islamabad High Court keeps the government’s toes to the fire, this should be a seminal moment in a saga that has captivated the nation for more than a decade.
With the July 21 deadline looming, everyone’s eyes are on the federal government. Will it ultimately show good intent, or will the courts be forced to exercise its powers of contempt?
Go to Pakistan Updates for additional one-of-a-kind tendencies on this basic human rights matter.
