WATCH
In a dramatic courtroom development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued contempt of court notices to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and every member of the federal cabinet for failing to submit a report in the long-standing Aafia Siddiqui case.
The notice was issued by Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq during a hearing related to Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release, health, and repatriation. The court expressed serious displeasure over the government's non-compliance and administrative interference in the judicial process.
“I had made it clear that if the report is not submitted, contempt proceedings will be initiated,” remarked Justice Ijaz Ishaq.
Despite the onset of judicial vacations, the judge specially included the case on his list. He criticized the Chief Justice's Office for allegedly using administrative powers to block the hearing by not issuing the cause list and claimed that judicial independence was being undermined.
“The judge wants to work even on holidays to ensure justice, but administrative power is being used to obstruct judicial work,” Justice Sardar Ishaq said.
“Fawzia Siddiqui is the daughter of Pakistan — we won’t let justice face defeat.”
The judge revealed that his request to continue hearing the case was not even signed by the Chief Justice, and he referred to past instances where administrative tools were misused to manipulate court proceedings in sensitive matters.
Justice Ijaz also emphasized that an appeal filed by the government in the Supreme Court against his prior decision is no excuse for ignoring court orders.
The written order of the court explicitly seeks a response within two weeks from the Prime Minister and the entire federal cabinet, and the matter has been scheduled for hearing on the first working day after the court’s summer recess.
The move comes amid growing public and political pressure over the government's handling of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s incarceration in the United States, with calls for transparency and accountability reaching new heights.
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