The contempt notice issued to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and federal cabinet members in the Aafia Siddiqui Case has been temporarily halted. This delay is due to internal procedural issues within the Islamabad High Court.
The court had earlier asked the Prime Minister and cabinet to respond within two weeks. This was because they failed to submit a required report in the Aafia Siddiqui Case. However, the Registrar’s Office did not issue the official notices. They said the case was not officially scheduled for hearing on July 21, but an order was still passed.
Sources explained that the hearing note was received late, after the court’s weekly roster was finalized. Although a revised schedule was needed, the necessary approval was not granted. Without this approval, notices cannot be sent out.
On July 21, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan issued an order and show-cause notices to the Prime Minister and cabinet for not submitting the report. He also expressed strong concern over interference in the court’s scheduling.
Justice Ejaz said administrative powers were misused to block the case from the cause list. He added that his request to the Chief Justice for approval remained unsigned. The judge highlighted that judicial discretion was overridden by administrative decisions.
Justice Ejaz also noted that judges cannot hear cases during vacations unless approved by the Chief Justice’s office. Although his vacation began on July 21, he wanted to hear the case to ensure justice.
He vowed to protect the court’s dignity and promised to use his judicial authority to uphold justice in the Aafia Siddiqui Case. The next hearing is scheduled for the first working day after the court’s summer break ends.
This development shows ongoing challenges in the judicial process of the Aafia Siddiqui Case. Officials and the public await the resumption of proceedings with keen interest.
Also Read: Citizens Protest Demanding the Release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui
