Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s U.S. Lawyer to Visit Pakistan Ahead of Key Hearing in Islamabad High Court
ISLAMABAD – In a significant development regarding the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, Clive Stafford Smith, the renowned human rights lawyer representing her in the United States, is set to visit Pakistan to participate in an upcoming hearing focused on her potential release and repatriation.
During a hearing at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday, Dr. Siddiqui’s local legal representative, Imran Shafique, informed the court that Smith will arrive in Pakistan on May 4. Given this, Shafique requested the court to adjourn the current hearing and reconvene on May 6 to allow for detailed consultation with the visiting attorney.
Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan, who presided over the session, inquired if there were any objections to the proposed date. The government’s legal representative confirmed there were none, and the court approved the new hearing date.
The court also noted the absence of Additional Attorney General Umar Aslam during the proceedings. The case has been postponed until May 6 for further deliberations.
Background of the Case
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist born in Karachi in 1972, earned her PhD from Brandeis University in the United States in 2001. Her case has remained a topic of widespread attention and debate both in Pakistan and internationally.
Her legal journey began in 2003 following the arrest of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. Dr. Siddiqui, who was reportedly married to a relative of Mohammed, disappeared along with her children from Karachi during that time.
In 2008, she was detained in Afghanistan. Reports claimed that she was found in possession of documents detailing potential attacks on U.S. targets and a small quantity of harmful chemicals. During questioning, it was alleged that she attempted to fire at U.S. personnel, resulting in her being injured.
Dr. Siddiqui’s trial took place in the United States, and in 2010, she was convicted of attempted murder and assault of U.S. officials. She was sentenced to 86 years in prison. It’s important to note that while her case included serious charges, she was never formally charged with terrorism-related offenses.
Over the years, calls for her repatriation have continued from various segments of society, including legal advocates, political figures, and human rights organizations. Efforts have also been made to negotiate a prisoner exchange involving Dr. Shakil Afridi, a Pakistani doctor convicted of assisting U.S. forces in locating Osama bin Laden. However, the Pakistani government has previously rejected such proposals.
Ongoing Legal Efforts
With Clive Stafford Smith’s upcoming visit and the next hearing scheduled for May 6, the case continues to garner attention. Pakistani authorities and legal representatives are expected to deliberate further on viable steps forward concerning Dr. Siddiqui’s status and any potential diplomatic resolutions.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from the ongoing court proceedings.
