The Federal Constitutional Court has stopped the Islamabad High Court from proceeding with contempt of court actions against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and federal ministers in the high-profile Aafia Siddiqui case, and issued notices to all parties involved.

A three-member bench, headed by the chief justice, conducted the hearing in appeals filed by the federal government against the high court’s earlier order.

The government challenged the May 16, 2025, directive, seeking to nullify the court’s permission to amend the petition, arguing that such amendments exceeded judicial powers and violated settled principles of finality in cases.

The Islamabad High Court had previously sought clarification from the prime minister and the cabinet regarding their alleged failure to support legal efforts in the United States on behalf of Aafia Siddiqui.

The federal government argued that reopening a matter long resolved goes against legal principles.

It further stated that the issue pertains to foreign policy and international law, and should not be reopened lightly.

The court has now issued notices to the concerned parties, and the case will proceed under the constitutional court’s guidance.