ISLAMABAD:On Friday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) was informed that former US President Joe Biden had denied Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s mercy plea for her release and repatriation to Pakistan.
Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan presided over the hearing concerning Dr. Aafia’s release from a US prison. Dr. Aafia’s sister, Dr. Fawzia Siddiqui, and her US attorney Clive Smith participated in the proceedings via video link. Also present in the courtroom were the petitioner’s lawyer, Imran Shafiq, and the Additional Attorney General.
During the hearing, the court was informed that Dr. Aafia’s mercy request had been rejected by the former US president. Additionally, the US had declined to sign an agreement with Pakistan for the release of prisoners.
Justice Khan expressed frustration, noting that while the US had granted clemency to President Biden’s son, it refused to release Dr. Aafia.
Reports detailing the foreign trips of Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were presented during the session. The Foreign Office also submitted a response explaining the Pakistani ambassador to the US’s absence from meetings concerning Dr. Aafia.
The court adjourned the case hearing for two weeks.
