Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered a conference between the parties to move forward in Dr Aafia’s case.
According to the details, the IHC passed the constitutional petition of Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, the bench of Dr. Fawzia Siddiqui and the following command:
MoFA issued an update on 5.4.2024 (but again without serial number) which is part of the record. Dr. Saif, learned amicus, assessed the court’s prejudgment about the case because in its review, the government of Pakistan did not take concrete or special action before the United Nations or called any agreement action. The ministry should resolve this issue in the next hearing.
At the same time, the agency must prepare and send a copy of the entire set of files to Dr. If any document is classified as confidential and has not been cleared for public circulation, the agency will retain the document temporarily and obtain a court order before sharing it with the learned amici.
Mrs. Janjua, learned amicus, appraised the court’s lack of effective communication and measures taken by US-based Pakistani lawyers who sought to help her in the matter. It was delayed because the MoFA wanted to determine whether the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Attorney General’s Office could issue direct orders to lawyers in the United States.
While the ministry and the AG’s office await a firm decision on the matter, there is no reason why Ms Janjua should be required to respond with a formal request, as suggested by Mr Smith.
Ms. Janjua is expected to initiate contact with the US attorney and is expected to submit a formal request to the MoFA and the AG’s office if there are positive developments.
It appears that the conference held between Mr. Smith, Dr. Saif, Ms. Janjua and Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui will be very helpful in formulating an action plan and considering whether the court should take the necessary direction. If necessary, the court will be available to participate in any conference upon request; he remembered that this was not an awkward situation and that all the pattas here were on the same side. Mr. Hamza from MoFA is expected to be available for amicus study with Mr. Smith at all times.
The court dismissed the case on 10.5.2024.
