ISLAMABAD
Islamabad High Court (IHC) while rejecting plea of Additional Attorney General (AAG) Munawar Iqbal Dogal for giving 5 weeks more time in Dr Aafia Siddiqui case who is imprisoned in US jail has remarked “ consider it this is case of extension in army chief service.
“When Dr Aafia Siddiqui returns any day to Pakistan then you should all apologize to her collectively. Let the history write one US lawyer contested this case free, these remarks were given by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan during the hearing of petition related to release and return of Dr Aafia Siddiqui to Pakistan Monday
Imran Shafiq counsel for petitioner Fouzia Siddiqui and amicus curiae Zainab Janjua appeared in the court as well.
Clive Smith who is counsel for Fouzia Siddiqui in US appeared in the court through video link.
The court remarked Clive Smith made efforts in the case. He went to A fghanistan. There is no one among government officials who can say he stands with Smith.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Khan remarked I cannot understand government fears of what.
AAG Munawar Iqbal Dogal said government is supporting Aafia Siddiqui on permanent basis. When any decision of policy level has to be taken then it takes time. Government of Pakistan is endeavoring fully. One -progress has been achieved which I have to put before the court.
AAG said public appeal in US can be filed through US lawyer. If US lawyer says public appeal can be filed then will government do it. Policy decision will be made in this regard.
AAG Munawar Iqbal Dogal said I regret to the court.
Justice Sardar Ejaz remarked AAG Sahb “ don’t apologize to court. When Dr Aafia Siddiqui returns to Pakistan some day then you all together apologize to her. Let the history write one US lawyer contested the case of Dr Aafia Siddiqui free of any fee..
He further remarked “ AAG is telling that government of Pakistan helped too much in connection with visa of Dr Fouzia Siddiqui.
Give this reply that are you writing mercy appeal to White House or not. Share the mercy appeal draft with government of Pakistan in a week.
AAG said the draft of mercy appeal to US president will be shared with us. Government will take policy decision after seeing the draft.
The court inquired from counsel Smith “ are you contesting the case in US on behalf of Dr Fouzia. You are contesting the case but our government is not with you and it is seeking time upon time. One US lawyer is saying ISI handed over Dr Aafia Siddiqui to US . One foreign lawyer is contesting the case of Dr Aafia Siddiqui. But our government is doing what.
The amicus curiae said I hope government will find out some proper solution.
Judge remarked this petition is pending hearing in this court since the last 3 years. They did what so far.
Justice Sardar Ishaq while moving to the AAG remarked Dogal Sahb what is being done, every one is seeing what is wrong and what is right.
He further remarked federal government and ministry of foreign affairs are avoiding to stand with Smith in the court.
AAG said government is standing with Dr Aafia and Dr Fouzia. But government proceeds under a procedure.
The court remarked Dogal Sahb why do you not deliver this speech in parliament. Your speech is speech of a politician.
AAG told the court if the petition filed in US is shared with us ‘ it will make our work easy.
US lawyer said if copy is provided to them then they will take how much time in filing repy.
The court remarked I will not give time more than a week. if you have to convene cabinet meeting or whatever you have to do, then do it. You should consider that it is case of extension in service of army chief.
AAG said time is needed in this regard. Court should give time from 2 to 3 weeks.
The court rejected the plea for granting 5 weeks time.
The hearing of the case was adjourned till September 13.
