ISLAMABAD – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has formed a four-member larger bench to hear a petition seeking the release and repatriation of Dr Aafia Siddiqui from a U.S. prison.
The petition was filed by Dr Fowzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who has long been campaigning for her release. According to the IHC cause list, the case will be heard on September 10.
The larger bench will be headed by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir. Other members include Justice Khadim Hussain Somroo, Justice Azam Khan, and Justice Raja Inam Amin Minhas. The formation of the new bench follows Justice Inam Ameen Minhas’s recommendation to the chief justice after he recused himself from the case on September 1.
Earlier, the case was being heard by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, who had issued contempt notices to the prime minister and cabinet members for failing to comply with court directives. However, his reassignment to a special division bench for tax cases led to the transfer of Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s case to other judges.
The petition filed by Dr Fowzia highlights the federal government’s inaction regarding court instructions. It stresses the need for stronger diplomatic efforts to secure the repatriation of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who has been imprisoned in the United States for years.
Legal experts say the creation of a larger bench indicates the significance of the case and the court’s intent to give it detailed consideration. Human rights groups have also been closely following the proceedings, citing concerns about Dr Aafia’s health and well-being in custody.
The upcoming hearing on September 10 is expected to determine the way forward in one of the most closely watched cases related to Pakistan’s citizens abroad.
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