IHC directs FO to provide legal assistance for Dr Aafia’s release

• Court said it was eighth hearing without any progress
• Lawyer said apparently government seemed to be helpless
• Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan heard the petition

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday instructed the Foreign Office (FO) to provide legal assistance to petitioner Dr Fauzia Siddiqui in a case seeking measures for release of her sister Dr Aafia Siddiqui from a United States jail.

Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan heard the petition filed by Dr Fauzia Siddiqui. The additional attorney general informed the court that the matter had been taken up at the diplomatic and government officials had a meeting with the acting US ambassador in that regard.

The court remarked that it was seventh or eighth hearing, but nothing had been done. The petitioner’s lawyer said that apparently the government seemed to be helpless in the matter.

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The court instructed the Foreign Office to provide legal assistance to the petitioner and hold meeting with her next week.

The case was then adjourned till March 17.

On September 28, a case was heard in the Islamabad High Court for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui- imprisoned in the United States.

During the hearing, the Foreign Office (FO) had suggested renewing the efforts for Dr Aafia’s release on the diplomatic front.

Meanwhile, the court had directed the FO to submit the progress in regards to her case every two weeks.

Legal Advisor of Foreign Office Asad Barki had appeared before the court while Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s sister Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui was also present.