PM okays financial support for delegation tasked with Dr Aafia’s release, IHC told

Additional Attorney General (AAG) Barrister Munawar Iqbal Duggal informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a summary requesting financial support for a delegation tasked with facilitating the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, the Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned in the United States.

During the hearing of a petition filed by Dr. Aafia’s sister, Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, IHC Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan was apprised of the latest developments in the ongoing efforts. The AAG revealed that Senator Irfan Siddiqui, initially expected to join the delegation, would no longer participate due to personal reasons. Senator Bushra has been named as his replacement.

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is currently serving an 86-year sentence in a high-security prison in Fort Worth, Texas. Convicted in 2010 on charges of attempted murder and assault of U.S. personnel in Afghanistan, her case has been a point of contention between the U.S. and Pakistan.

In October, the federal government announced plans to send a delegation comprising former and current parliamentarians, military officers, medical professionals, and Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui to advocate for her release. During today’s proceedings, representatives from the Foreign Office confirmed that visa applications for the delegation had been submitted to U.S. authorities and expressed optimism about their approval.

The court was also informed that the Foreign Office is actively assisting Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui and coordinating efforts to expedite the delegation’s visit. However, concerns lingered after last week’s revelation that efforts to secure meetings with the White House, the State Department, and the Department of Justice had not yet yielded a response.

The court has adjourned further hearings on the matter until January 13, 2024.