ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued a contempt of court notice to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the federal cabinet in the Dr Aafia Siddiqui case.
The hearing was conducted by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan on a petition filed by Dr Fauzia Siddiqui, seeking Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s release, medical care, and repatriation to Pakistan.
During the proceedings, the judge criticised the government for failing to submit a required report in the case and formally issued the contempt notice to the PM and the federal cabinet. He warned that continued disregard for court orders will not be tolerated, and the cabinet will be held accountable for its conduct.
Justice Ejaz remarked that the next hearing will take place on the first working day after court vacations, clarifying that the chief justice’s office handles the judges’ roster, and since the government has filed an appeal against his ruling in the Supreme Court, he cannot hear the case during the break, even if he wants to.
He explained that although his judicial vacation was set to begin today, he had specially scheduled Dr Fauzia Siddiqui’s case along with others for the day. He noted that he was informed on Thursday that the cause list would not be issued unless modified, and he had instructed his personal secretary to write a request to the chief justice regarding the matter.
Justice Ejaz criticised the lack of action, stating the chief justice didn’t even spare 30 seconds to sign the request. He also mentioned how, in the past, the roster was altered for specific cases, and stressed, “Fauzia Siddiqui is the daughter of Pakistan. Her case is unique. I wanted to hear it today despite being on vacation.”
He further said, “Once again, administrative power has been used over judicial authority. I will not let justice be defeated. To preserve the dignity of the High Court, I will exercise my judicial powers.”
Read more: Court hints at issuing contempt notice to PM, federal ministers in Dr. Aafia Siddiqui case
He reiterated that had the government failed to submit the report, he had already intended to initiate contempt proceedings, and now he was doing so.
Lawyer Imran Shafiq, representing the petitioner, commented that if the government had wanted to get a stay order, “a bench would have been formed instantly. We know how the High Court is functioning.” He asserted that the court order existed and that the case was rightfully listed today.
Justice Ejaz also raised concerns about why the case hasn’t yet been scheduled in the Supreme Court, to which lawyer Imran Shafiq responded, “Because Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is currently on the bench. The case will only be taken up once the roster changes.”
This development highlights increasing judicial frustration with the federal government’s inaction and administrative hurdles in the longstanding case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned in the United States.