The Islamabad High Court has sought a response from the petitioner after the latter filed a miscellaneous petition for ‘immediate disposal’ of the release plea of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist serving an 86-year sentence in the United States.

In the proceedings on Friday, the court issued a notice on the government’s application and requested a response from the petitioner.

IHC judge Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan resumed the proceedings with petitioner lawyer Imran Shafiq and Additional Attorney General Manzoor Iqbal Dogal in attendance. Dr Fozia Siddiqui and American attorney Smith participated via video link.

Justice Ishaq questioned the government’s stance on prisoner exchanges with the United States.

He highlighted the inconsistency in the government’s statements regarding prisoner exchanges with the US, noting that despite claiming there was no agreement, they had nonetheless transferred an individual to US authorities without any formal arrangement.

The case also involved discussions about the “transfer of ISIS commander Sharifullah to US authorities,” raising broader concerns about prisoner exchange agreements.

Moreover, he criticised the government’s management of Siddiqui’s case, stating, “The prime minister was supposed to write a letter, and he did. They required a visa, and it was granted. You have accomplished what you aimed to do.”

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Justice Ishaq expressed concerns about the government’s actions regarding Dr Aafia, stating, “If such an attitude is adopted, the whole world will know what the Government of Pakistan has done and what you have achieved.”

He addressed the attorney general’s Office, saying, “I had requested that the government provide suggestions and inform the court, yet you are asking to dismiss the case.”

The court postponed the hearing until Friday.

On January 24, Dr Aafia’s lawyer told the IHC that an appeal for her release was dismissed.

Last year, a clemency petition seeking her release was submitted to the White House. Before that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requested that US President Joe Biden pardon and release her.

“I am… a victim of injustice, pure and simple. Every day is torture… it is not easy,” she said, “one day, Inshallah [God-willing], I will be released from this torment,” Dr Aafia told the British broadcaster Sky News on January 18, 2025.

On June 24, 2024, Dr Aafia’s lawyer stated that subjected to sexual abuse and other mistreatment while incarcerated.