The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has instructed the federal government to provide a clear explanation for its decision not to become a party in Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s ongoing legal case in the United States.
The directive came during a hearing of a petition filed by Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, who voiced concerns over her sister’s deteriorating health and urged the court to facilitate her return to Pakistan. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan led the hearing, attended by Advocate Imran Shafiq (petitioner’s counsel), the additional attorney general, and other government representatives.
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The additional attorney general informed the court that the government had opted not to extend legal support or intervene in the U.S. case. However, the court questioned the rationale behind such a critical decision.
Justice Ishaq emphasized that governmental actions must be justified. “This is a constitutional court. Every decision by the government or Attorney General must be backed by reason. Unexplained decisions cannot be accepted,” he said. The court has ordered the government to present its reasons in the next hearing scheduled for Friday, July 4.
