Aafia Siddiqui Case: Federal Constitutional Court Bars Islamabad High Court from Action Against PM, Federal Ministers

Islamabad: The Federal Constitutional Court has restrained the Islamabad High Court from taking contempt proceedings against the Prime Minister and federal ministers in the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.

During proceedings in the related case of Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, the court issued notices to the parties involved and adjourned the hearing. The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard appeals filed by the federal government challenging the Islamabad High Court’s May 16, 2025 order, which had sought clarification from the Prime Minister and the cabinet on why they did not support legal efforts in the United States.

The federal government argued that the amendment to the petition exceeded judicial authority and violated the finality of settled cases. It contended that reopening a matter long resolved contradicts established legal principles, emphasizing that the issue pertains to foreign policy and international law.

The amended petition had sought to hold the government constitutionally accountable for steps taken toward Dr. Siddiqui’s release and repatriation. The government highlighted that in October 2024, the Prime Minister sent a letter to the US President advocating clemency, a high-level delegation was dispatched to the US, and attempts were made to negotiate prisoner transfer agreements. However, US authorities did not agree to any transfer arrangements.