The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has temporarily halted contempt proceedings against Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and federal cabinet members due to their failure to submit a report in the ongoing case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned in the United States. The court’s decision stems from an administrative issue involving the court’s scheduling roster, raising concerns about judicial independence.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, presiding over the case, had previously ordered the government to provide reasons for not supporting an amicus brief in Dr. Siddiqui’s legal proceedings in the U.S., where she has been incarcerated since 2010 on charges of attempted murder of U.S. personnel. The government’s non-compliance prompted the judge to issue contempt notices on July 21, 2025, demanding responses within two weeks. However, the IHC Registrar’s Office has delayed processing these notices, citing the need for approval from the Chief Justice, as Justice Khan was not on the approved duty roster during the hearing due to his scheduled leave.
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case has drawn significant attention in Pakistan, with her sister, Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, petitioning for updates on Aafia’s health and potential repatriation. The neuroscientist, sentenced to 86 years in a high-security Texas prison, sought presidential clemency in January 2025, which was denied by then-U.S. President Joe Biden. Justice Khan emphasized the case’s importance, noting the government’s reluctance to act and alleging interference through administrative control of judicial schedules. Posts on X reflect public frustration, with users highlighting the government’s inaction and praising the judge’s resolve to uphold justice.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for the first working day after the court’s summer recess, signaling continued scrutiny of the government’s response. This development underscores tensions between Pakistan’s judiciary and executive, with broader implications for judicial autonomy and the handling of high-profile international cases.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 24th, 2025
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