The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has restrained the Islamabad High Court (IHC) from initiating contempt proceedings against the prime minister and federal ministers in the Dr Aafia Case. The order was issued during a hearing conducted by a three-member bench.
The bench was headed by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan. It reviewed appeals filed by the federal government. The government had challenged a previous order of the Islamabad High Court related to the Dr Aafia Case.
According to the federal government, the IHC allowed an amendment to a petition that had already been decided. The government argued that permitting such an amendment was an overreach of judicial authority. It said reopening a settled matter goes against established legal principles.
The federal government also stated that the Dr Aafia Case involves issues of foreign policy and international law. It argued that such matters fall within the executive’s domain. Therefore, the judiciary should exercise restraint.
The amended petition had sought a declaration from the court. It requested that government efforts for Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s release and repatriation be declared a constitutional obligation. The government opposed this request.
The appeal specifically challenged the IHC order dated May 16, 2025. The government asked the Federal Constitutional Court to set aside the permission granted for amending the petition. It maintained that final decisions should not be reopened after a long period.
Earlier, the Islamabad High Court had sought an explanation from the prime minister and the federal cabinet. The court questioned why they had not supported legal efforts in the United States regarding Dr Aafia Siddiqui.
However, the FCC has now restrained the IHC from proceeding with contempt action against the prime minister and federal ministers in the Dr Aafia Case. The top court also issued notices to the concerned parties.
The hearing was adjourned for a later date. Further proceedings will take place after responses are submitted.
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The latest development marks a significant step in the ongoing Dr Aafia Case. The matter now awaits further review by the Federal Constitutional Court.
