IHC informed on issuance of US Visa to Fowzia Siddiqui

ISLAMABAD: Additional Attorney General informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday that Aafia Siddiqui’s sister Fowzia, has been issued US visa, ARY News reported.

AAG Munawwar Iqbal Duggal informed the high court in the hearing over a petition that Fowzia Siddiqui will meet Aafia Siddiqui in US jail during May 29 to 31. “Fowzia, accompanied by the US counsel, will meet Aafia Siddiqui,” AAG told the court.

Petitioner’s counsel Imran Shafique, also informed the court, comprised of Justice Ijaz Ishaq Khan, about the meeting.

The counsel said that a separate doctor will be needed for psychological examination of Aafia Siddiqui.

The court ordered the foreign ministry to extend help in providing services of a doctor for psychological examination of Aafia Siddiqui.

Clive Safford Smith, human rights attorney and lawyer of Dr Aafia Siddiqui also appeared in the court. He briefed the court about Aafia Siddiqui case.

The bench ordered the government to share documents concerned with Aafia Siddiqui and other relevant information with the lawyer. “Counsel Clive Smith will assure that the information will not be used in any other matter except the Aafia Siddiqui case,” the court ordered. “The information being shared with the American lawyer for preparation of the case,” bench added.

Foreign Ministry officials told court that owing to the sensitive nature of the information, prior approval of the competent authority will be necessary.

The court assured extending every possible cooperation to the lawyer of Aafia Siddiqui.

The court also ordered that the document shared by human rights US attorney Clive Smith will remain confidential. The court directed to share the document only with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The bench directed petitioner Fowzia Siddiqui, to submit an application in case of any issue, the court will hear it the next day.

The bench adjourned further hearing of the case until June 30.