Islamabad High Court (IHC) has raised concerns about the transfer of prisoners to the United States without a formal prisoner exchange agreement when it heard a plea seeking return of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.
During the consultation, the federal government submitted an application requesting the immediate disposal of the placement of Siddiqui’s release. The court issued a notice of the government’s application and applied for an answer.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan questioned why Pakistan had handed over Daesh commander Sharifullah to the United States despite having no formal prisoner exchange treaty.
He turned to the extra law lawyer (AAG) and noted, “You claim that there is no deal, yet a detainee was handed over without one.”
The court also referred to Dr. The Shakil Afridi case and said the government had been given an opportunity for the I-camera procedure regarding his possible transfer to the United States, but its response had been unsatisfactory.
Justice Khan also noted that the government seemed eager to dispose of Aafia Siddiqui’s case, adding that such actions would be noticed internationally.
“The Prime Minister wrote a letter Visa was issued – all that could be done has been done. Does the government want to wash the hands of the case?” He asked.
The hearing participated by the petitioner’s lawyer Imran Shafiq Advocate, Aag Munawar Iqbal Duggal, Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui and US lawyer Clive Stafford Smith, who appeared via video link.
The court postponed the hearing until next Friday while issuing a notice of the government’s application.
How did Dr. Aafia Siddiqui in Texas?
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case began in 2003 after the capture of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM), al-Qaedas 9/11 Mastermind. Siddiqui, reportedly married to KSM’s nephew, disappeared with his children in Karachi and later served the title “Lady Al-Qaeda” because of alleged connections with al-Qaeda.
In 2008, she was arrested in Afghanistan, allegedly with sodium cyanide and plans for attacks on US targets. During the interrogation, Siddiqui reportedly fought a US soldier rifle and tried to shoot American agents and shouted “Death to America.” She was wounded in the process and later showed signs of serious abuse.
Siddiqui’s son was released in Afghanistan, while her two other children’s residence remains unknown. In 2010, she was convicted of murder attempts in the United States and sentenced to 86 years, though she was never indicted for direct ties to terrorism.
