ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has expressed its displeasure at the federal government’s request to dispose of a petition seeking repatriation of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, asking as to how Pakistan is handing over alleged terrorists to the US in the absence of any extradition treaty.
When Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan of the IHC on Friday resumed hearing the petition regarding Dr Aafia’s repatriation, the federal government submitted a miscellaneous application requesting the immediate disposal of the case.
During the hearing, the extradition of ISIS commander Sharifullah, who was captured by Pakistan and handed over to the US recently, was also mentioned.
Addressing the additional attorney general, Justice Khan said the government claims that there is no prisoner exchange agreement with the US yet Pakistan handed over a detainee without any agreement.
“You were even given the opportunity to brief the court in-camera regarding the possibility of Dr Shakil Afridi’s extradition to the US [in return of Dr Aafia Siddiqui but that briefing never took place],” he said.
The court observed that two declarations had been submitted and the government’s response was deemed unsatisfactory. Now, the government is seeking to dispose of Dr Aafia’s petition.
“In simple terms, you are saying that you want to get rid of this case. The prime minister wrote a letter to the US president as required, a visa was issued, and whatever was to be done has been done. Such an approach will make the entire world aware of Pakistan’s stance and efforts,” he said.
The judge noted that during the previous hearing, the Attorney-General for Pakistan’s office had been directed to provide recommendations to the government and inform the court but now the government was asking for the case to be closed.
The court later issued a notice on the miscellaneous application and adjourned the hearing till Friday.
