Pakistan Government Backs Out of Aafia Siddiqui Case: IHC Demands Explanation

The Pakistani government has officially decided not to become a party or offer legal assistance in Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s ongoing case in a U.S. court, a move that has prompted strong questioning from the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

This development came during a hearing led by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq, who was reviewing a petition regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s health and the efforts for her return to Pakistan. Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, Aafia’s sister, had filed the petition.

During the session, the Additional Attorney General announced, “The government has decided not to become a party in the case in America.” However, Justice Ishaq was not satisfied with the explanation and demanded the reasoning behind the government’s decision.

The judge stated, “When the government or the Attorney General makes a decision, there are always reasons behind it. No decision is made without reasons. This is a constitutional court; it cannot happen that someone comes to court and says a decision has been made but does not provide the reasons.”

The court has now instructed the Additional Attorney General to submit a detailed justification at the next hearing on July 4, 2025.

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist, is serving an 86-year sentence in the U.S. after being convicted in 2010. Her case remains a highly emotional topic in Pakistan, with many citizens and organizations urging her repatriation and declaring her the “Daughter of the Nation.” This government move signals a major shift in its long-standing stance.