Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s sister, Fauzia Siddiqui, has been granted a five-year visa to meet her sister in the United States. Additional Attorney General Manzoor Qadir Dar informed the Islamabad High Court of this development. Justice Siddique Isa heard the plea of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s transfer from US custody to Pakistan.
During the hearing, the lawyer stated that Fauzia Siddiqui would meet Dr. Aafia Siddiqui in US jail from 29th to 31st May. The court ordered that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should facilitate an independent doctor for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s psychological evaluation, and her documents and information should be shared with her lawyer.
The court further stated that the US lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith, should assure that the shared information would not be used for any other purpose beyond the case’s preparation, and the documents shared with him would remain confidential. The court also directed Fauzia Siddiqui to submit a request whenever required and promised to hear it the next day.
The next hearing of the case is scheduled for 30th June.
Earlier in March, Fauzia Saddiqui met with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and discussed the measures taken by the government for the well-being of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.
Fauzia Sadiq requested the government to increase its efforts for the early release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.
The Prime Minister assured Fauzia Sadiq of the government’s complete cooperation in this matter and directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to stay informed about the well-being of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.
He also instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remain in contact with the US government regarding the issue.
