The federal government has declined to become a party or assist in Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s ongoing legal case in the United States (US), drawing strong criticism from the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

During a hearing on Monday on a petition concerning Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s health and repatriation, the court expressed serious displeasure and directed the government to provide detailed reasons for its decision. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan presided over the hearing, which was initiated through a petition filed by Dr Fouzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.

Representing the petitioner, advocate Imran Shafiq appeared before the court. The hearing was also attended by the Additional Attorney General and other relevant government officials. During the proceedings, an Additional Attorney General informed the court that the government had decided not to act as a legal party or advisor in Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s case in the United States. This revelation prompted a stern response from Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, who questioned the legal basis for such a decision.

‘When the government or Attorney General makes such a decision, there must be clear and documented reasons. No decision can be made without justification,’ the judge remarked.

‘This is a constitutional court. It is unacceptable for someone to come here and announce a decision without providing the rationale behind it,’ he added.

The court has now directed the federal government to submit a detailed explanation outlining the reasons for refusing to engage in the US legal proceedings. The matter has been adjourned until July 4, 2025.

A Pakistani neuroscientist Dr Aafia Siddiqui was sentenced to 86 years of imprisonment by a US federal court in Manhattan on September 23, 2010, after she was convicted of firing at US troops in Afghanistan while in their custody and other six charges brought against her.