ISLAMABAD: The additional attorney general (AAG) on Monday apprised the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved a summary seeking financial support for a delegation, tasked with release of neuroscientist Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who is currently imprisoned in the United States.
AAG Barrister Munawar Iqbal Duggal made this statement in court during hearing of a petition regarding efforts to bring Aafia back to Pakistan. IHC Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan heard the petition, filed by the Fouzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr. Aafia.
The AAG informed the court that Senator Irfan Siddiqui would not be part of the delegation due to his personal engagements, adding that Senator Bushra would replace him. Dr. Aafia was handed down 86-year sentence in 2010 on charges of attempted murder and assault of US personnel in Afghanistan jail. She is serving the jail term in Carswell, a high-security prison in, Fort Worth, Texas.
In October, the federal government had informed the IHC that a delegation was being sent to the US for the release of Dr Aafia. At the outset of today’s hearing, a representative of the Foreign Office apprised the court that visa applications for the Pakistani officials had been submitted with the US officials concerned and expressed hope that their applications would be approved soon. They informed the IHC that the FO was providing all possible assistance to Dr Fouzia. Meanwhile, the court adjourned the hearing till January 13.
