The federal government has rejected a proposal to exchange Shakil Afridi, who is serving a sentence for espionage for the US, in return for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release.
During a hearing at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) concerning Siddiqui’s repatriation, Additional Attorney General Manzoor Iqbal Dogal informed the court that the proposed exchange was not a viable option.
Read more: ‘US Govt Likely to Release Dr Aafia Siddiqui Before Jan 20’, Hopes Pakistani Delegation
The proposal for the swap was initially put forward by Aafia Siddiqui’s American lawyer, Clive Smith. However, the additional attorney general pointed out concerns regarding certain aspects of the petition filed in a US court on Siddiqui’s behalf.
Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan expressed surprise over the government’s decision to withdraw support for the petition seeking her release. The court instructed Dogal to consult with the government and provide clarity on the objections raised regarding Siddiqui’s case in the US court.
The additional attorney general was directed to submit a response by the following Friday after discussions with relevant authorities.
Furthermore, the lawyer representing Siddiqui highlighted that Pakistan does not have a formal prisoner exchange agreement with the United States.
At one point, Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan noted that the White House had neither responded to nor acknowledged the letter regarding the case. The court then adjourned the hearing until next Friday.
