The federal government informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that exchanging Dr. Aafia Siddiqui for Shakeel Afridi is not a viable option.
During the hearing, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Munawar Iqbal Duggal stated that the proposal, initially suggested by Dr. Aafia’s U.S. attorney Clive Smith, was impractical. The court questioned the government’s reluctance to support Dr. Aafia’s petition in the U.S. court and directed the AAG to seek clarification from authorities.
Read more: Citizens Protest Demanding the Release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui
Justice Khan also inquired about Shakeel Afridi’s significance to the U.S. and his legal status, while Dr. Aafia’s legal team reiterated Afridi’s espionage-related charges. The court has requested a government response by next Friday.
