IHC Forms Larger Bench in Dr. Aafia Siddiqui Release Case; PM and Cabinet Face Contempt Notices

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development in the Dr. Aafia Siddiqui release case, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has scheduled the hearing for September 10 and issued a cause list.

The court has also taken up contempt of court notices against the Prime Minister and cabinet members for alleged non-compliance with earlier directives.

A four-member larger bench has been constituted, headed by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, and comprising Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, Justice Azam Khan, and Justice Raja Inam Ameen Minhas. Earlier, on September 1, Justice Inam Ameen Minhas had recommended forming a larger bench, forwarding the file to the Chief Justice.

Previously, the case was being heard by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, who had issued contempt notices to the Prime Minister and cabinet. However, following his assignment to a special division bench dealing with tax cases, the pending matters from his single bench were reassigned to other judges.