The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the government to provide details of the foreign visits of the prime minister and the foreign minister since the filing of Dr Afia Siddiqui’s clemency petition in the United States.
The order was issued during a hearing of the case regarding the release and return of Dr Afia Siddiqui to Pakistan, based on a petition filed by her sister Dr Fouzia Siddiqui.
The hearing was presided over by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan. Dr Fouzia Siddiqui appeared via video link, while the petitioner’s lawyer Imran Shafiq and former senator Mushtaq were present in court.
The hearing was also attended by the Additional Attorney General and representatives of the Ministry of External Affairs.
The court reviewed a plea submitted by Dr Afia Siddiqui’s US lawyer, Mr Clive Smith, and praised his efforts.
IHC directed the Ministry of External Affairs to submit a detailed report on Mr Smith’s statement and take up the matter at the diplomatic level.
Justice Khan commented that while the United States is a sovereign nation and has the authority to reject visa applications, including that of Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui or even that of the Prime Minister, diplomatic efforts are essential in such cases.
Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui stated that when the head of one country writes a letter to the executive of another country, a response is expected.
The Foreign Ministry representative confirmed that no response had been received to the letter written by Prime Minister Imran Khan to US President Joe Biden. Additionally, arrangements had been made for a Pakistani delegation to meet Dr Afia in the US.
The court asked about the delay in the arrival of the delegation and questioned the absence of the Pakistani ambassador in the proceedings.
Judge Khan emphasized that these matters should be handled by the ambassador, especially in cases where the head of state wrote a letter and received no response. The court further noted that Pakistan’s ambassador should have arranged a meeting with the Biden administration.
The court has now asked for detailed reports on the visits of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister abroad. The Additional Public Prosecutor tried to withdraw the request for information on the visits, but the court decided to continue the investigation.
The court adjourned the case until January 13, 2024.
