Islamabad High Court Issues Contempt Notice to Federal Cabinet in Dr. Aafia Siddiqui Case

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a show-cause notice for contempt of court to the federal cabinet over its failure to submit a report in the case concerning Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release, health, and repatriation.
The case was heard by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan on a petition filed by Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. During the proceedings, the judge expressed serious concerns over the delay in the government’s response and the lack of action, stating that administrative powers had once again been used to interfere with judicial authority.
Justice Ejaz Ishaq remarked that he would not allow justice to be defeated and pledged to use his judicial powers to uphold the dignity of the High Court. He noted that although his judicial leave had started, he had deliberately scheduled this hearing today due to the importance of the case. However, the court roster, managed by the Chief Justice’s office, did not list the case initially, prompting the judge to instruct his personal secretary to send a formal request for its inclusion.
The judge criticized the absence of a swift response from the Chief Justice’s office, emphasizing that in the past, rosters have been manipulated to delay or prioritize specific cases. He highlighted that Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui’s case is of a unique nature and should not be subjected to routine delays.
Justice Ejaz Ishaq further noted that the federal government has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against his earlier order, but no hearing has yet been scheduled. Advocate Imran Shafiq, representing Dr. Fouzia, claimed that the case may not be taken up in the Supreme Court as long as Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remains on the bench and suggested that hearings are often influenced by changes in judicial rosters.
The judge reiterated that if the government failed to present the required report, contempt proceedings would be initiated. He asserted, “Once again, administrative power has been misused for judicial matters. I will not let justice suffer.”
The case will now be heard on the first working day after the court’s summer recess.