What harm lies for govt in making plea for release of Dr Aafia causes: IHC

ISLAMABAD
Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought reply to questions from Additional Attorney General (AAG) in the case pertaining to release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui imprisoned in US and her return to Pakistan.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Khan Ishaq took up the case for hearing in IHC Friday.
Imran Shafiq counsel for Dr Aafia Siddiqui appeared in the court.
The court questioned will government of Pakistan file reply in US court on assistance of court in the matter of release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.
The court questioned is government ready to file reply in court as amicus curiae in the petition filed by Aafia Siddiqui for her releases so that she could be released on humanitarian grounds
Imran Shafiq advocate counsel for Dr Fouzia Siddiqui requested the court to issue directives to government to express its willingness for assisting court in US. In this reply government has not to support or verify the contents of the petition filed by Dr Aafia Siddiqui.
Counsel Imran Shafiq said our demand from government of Pakistan is only this it should make short plea that Aafia Siddiqui be released on humanitarian grounds .
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan remarked such nominal plea can cause what harm to government of Pakistan.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan said Attorney General has already said government will file petition in connection with assistance to court in US. Then what is problem now.
Inform the court on next hearing about government stance. Satisfy the court with argument what harm it causes to government.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Khan said when Mian Sahb was in opposition he then wrote letter to the then prime minister asking him to take steps for release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.
The court inquired what change came in the situation for government that stance of ruling party underwent change.
The learned judge further said such precedents are there that government of Pakistan has filed such statement regarding assistance to court. When such statements were filed earlier then what is legal complication now.
Additional Attorney General should seek reply and satisfy the court.
Hearing of the case was adjourned till Wednesday.