The government has decided to send a delegation to the United States for repatriation of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, the Additional Attorney General informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC). IHC Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan heard Fawzia Siddiqui's application on repatriation and recovery of Dr Aafia. Additional Attorney General and Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ representative appeared before the court during the hearing. Fawzia’s lawyer Imran Shafique and judicial assistant Zainab Janjua were also present during the hearing. The delegation of former and current parliamentarians, senators, retired and serving military officers, doctors and Dr. Fawzia Siddiqui will go to the USA. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) representative informed the court that the ministry had shared a proposal for a Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA) with the USA.

A court assistant, Zainab Janjua told the court that Dr. Fawzia and her family have requested for medical professionals from Pakistan to be sent for Aafia Siddiqui’s check-up. The State Counsel stated that the PM approved the delegation’s visit to the USA. Justice inquired the representative of the MOFA about the timeline for a response regarding the PTA to which the representative responded that an answer could come soon. The Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing until next week. It is pertinent to note that PM Shehbaz Sharif had written a letter to US president for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistan delegation would go USA for this purpose.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan