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📝 Latest Update: Pakistan Seeks More Time from IHC on Dr Aafia Siddiqui Case
Published June 19, 2025
🕰️ What Just Happened?
In a hearing before the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the Additional Attorney General of Pakistan requested an extension, asking for seven days (after initially seeking ten) to allow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to consult the Attorney General of Pakistan on whether the government should file an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief in the U.S. courts concerning Dr. Aafia Siddiqui
. The IHC granted this extension, scheduling the next hearing for June 25 .
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⚖️ The Legal and Diplomatic Rationale
The government’s request for more time stems from its internal deliberations on whether to formally support the U.S. court petition on humanitarian grounds. According to the Additional Attorney General, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is awaiting input from the Attorney General regarding this sensitive act of legal advocacy .
This is notable because earlier in proceedings, the Attorney General had indicated the government’s willingness to file such a brief. However, in a subsequent filing, the government requested dismissal of the petition, claiming the "purpose has been served" — a shift that the court and counsel for Dr. Siddiqui’s sister, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, found puzzling
🏛️ IHC's Firm Stance
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During the hearing, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan pressed the government for clarity on its position. He questioned:
What harm could come from filing a humanitarian plea?
What prevented the government from following through as it had promised?
Why the sudden reversal in policy stance when Pakistan had previously been vocal in advocating for Dr. Siddiqui’s release?
The judge reminded officials of precedents where Pakistan had offered judicial assistance without complications and that, when in opposition, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had actively sought legal relief for Dr. Siddiqui
🔍 Why This Matters
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The proposed amicus curiae brief would officially signal Pakistan’s support in U.S. judicial proceedings—reinforcing the narrative that Dr. Siddiqui’s case is a humanitarian and diplomatic priority.
It bridges legal and diplomatic spheres, showing action beyond rhetoric.
It sends a strong signal to both domestic and international audiences that Pakistan is using all available channels.
It counters perceptions of governmental inconsistency or hesitation.
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