Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday expressed strong displeasure over the federal government’s continued failure to submit a report regarding the release, health, and repatriation of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.
During the hearing of a petition filed by Dr Fauzia Siddiqui, the court questioned why the government had not complied with earlier directives to explain its inaction in the case. Justice Khan warned that if the report is not submitted, the court could initiate contempt proceedings against the entire federal cabinet, including the Prime Minister.
“This court can take action not just against the cabinet, but also against the Prime Minister,” the judge remarked sternly, questioning whether the government was deliberately ignoring the court’s instructions.
Dr Aafia’s legal counsel, Imran Shafiq, appeared on behalf of the petitioner, while Additional Attorney General Rashid Hafeez represented the federal government.
The judge noted that the report had been requested back in June but had still not been filed. Although Justice Khan initially gave a three-day deadline, he later granted five working days after the Additional Attorney General’s request, noting that his own leave would begin next week.
The court adjourned the hearing until July 21, making it clear that no further delays would be tolerated.
During the proceedings, Dr Fauzia Siddiqui’s lawyer also mentioned a separate application seeking a meeting with the Prime Minister and cabinet. In response, Justice Khan questioned the utility of such a meeting, saying, “Is the Prime Minister not already aware of Aafia Siddiqui’s case?”
The court emphasized that the federal government must submit the required report by the next hearing or face possible legal consequences.