ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met Dr Aafia’s sister, Dr Fouzia Siddiqui, and assured her of continued legal and diplomatic efforts in the case of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.
The prime minister stated that the government has not shown negligence in this matter. He said Pakistan has consistently extended support to Dr Aafia through diplomatic and legal means.
According to an official statement, PM Shehbaz had earlier written to former U.S. President Joe Biden to seek help in Aafia’s case. He also formed a special committee led by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar to monitor the issue and coordinate further steps.
The committee will maintain direct contact with Dr Aafia’s sister to provide necessary legal assistance.
The meeting comes shortly after the Islamabad High Court issued a contempt notice to the federal cabinet. The court was upset over the government’s failure to submit a report related to Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s legal status in the U.S.
Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan expressed concern over the delay. He warned of contempt proceedings against the entire cabinet, including the prime minister, if the report was not submitted soon.
The petition was filed by Dr Fouzia Siddiqui, who is seeking the release and repatriation of her sister. The court granted the government more time but stressed the seriousness of the matter.
Justice Ijaz made it clear he would not allow administrative excuses to interfere with justice. He stated that he would use his full judicial authority to uphold the law, even during court holidays.
This development has renewed national attention on Dr Aafia’s case, which has long been a sensitive issue in Pakistan.
For further updates, read how the contempt notice was paused in Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s case.
