Dr. Aafia Siddiqui Case: IHC Issues Show-Cause Notice to Federal Cabinet

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued a show-cause notice to the federal cabinet for contempt of court in relation to the case concerning the release, health, and repatriation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan took this step while hearing a petition filed by Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. The judge expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to submit the required report on the matter.

The court scheduled the next hearing for the first working day after the summer recess

Justice Ejaz Ishaq highlighted administrative challenges in hearing the case during holidays, explaining that the judges’ roster is managed by the Chief Justice’s office. Despite his willingness to proceed, a request to alter the cause list, made through his personal secretary, was not processed in time.

Referring to prior instances where the judges’ roster was adjusted for specific cases, Justice Ejaz Ishaq reiterated his determination not to allow justice to be compromised. He affirmed his commitment to maintaining the dignity of the high court and exercising his judicial authority accordingly.

The judge also noted that the government has already filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against his earlier ruling in this case, which is still pending. He emphasized that Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui is a daughter of Pakistan and that securing justice in her case remains a top priority.