Islamabad: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered in Dr Aafia Siddiqui release and return to Pakistan case that Additional Attorney General (AAG) should tell the court after seeking directives from the government what is objection over petition of Dr Aafia Siddiqui in US court.
The court directed AAG to file reply till next Friday after obtaining directives.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan remarked on Friday the government statement on withdrawing from the support of petition in US court regarding release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui has surprised the court. White House has not even given reply to this letter but also has not acknowledged it. What are diplomatic norms. If some country writes letter to other country then what happens. While federal government has informed IHC about handing over Shakeel Afridi in return for release of Aafia Siddiqui that no such proposal is practicable.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan took up the case for hearing Friday.
AAG and counsel for federal government Munawar Duggal informed the court the proposal of handing over Shakil Afridi in return for release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui is not practicable.
Clive Smith , counsel for Aafia Siddiqui had given proposal in this regard.
AAG said during the hearing of the case there are reservations on some things included in draft of the petition filed in US court.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan remarked government statement on withdrawing from support of the petition filed in US court regarding release of Dr Aafiq Siddiqui has surprised court.
The IHC ordered AAG should seek directives from government and tell the court what is objection over Dr Aafia Siddiqui petition filed in US court.
The court summoned reply till next Friday.
AAG said in arguments Shakil Afridi and Aafia Siddiqui both are Pakistanis. There is no agreement of swapping prisoners between Pakistan and US.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan inquired why Shakil Afridi is so much important for US. What is status of Shakil Afridi case.
Amicus Curiae Zainab Janjua told the court Shakil Afridi is convicted and appeal is pending hearing in Peshawar High Court.
Imran Shafiq counsel for Fouzia Siddiqui told the court Shakil Afridi is charged with espionage and assistance.
AAG said we have filed reply on February 19 in this regard. Joebiden rejected the plea but no reply to letter was given.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan remarked White House has not given reply but also has not acknowledged it. What are diplomatic norms. If some country writes letter to other country then what happens.
IHC adjourned the hearing till next Friday.