ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was informed on Monday that Clive Stafford Smith, the U.S.-based attorney representing Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on May 4 to attend court proceedings related to her release and repatriation.
The update was shared by Advocate Imran Shafique during the hearing. He requested that the next session be postponed until May 6 to allow time for consultation with Stafford Smith upon his arrival.
Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan, who presided over the case, inquired if government officials had any objections to the new date. As none were raised, the court approved the adjournment to May 6.
The court also noted the absence of Additional Attorney General Umar Aslam, who was recently appointed to the case.
Meanwhile, during an earlier hearing, the federal government rejected the possibility of a prisoner swap, dismissing a proposal to exchange Dr. Aafia Siddiqui for Dr. Shakil Afridi, a controversial figure convicted in Pakistan.
Background: Born in 1972 in Karachi, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui earned a PhD in neuroscience from Brandeis University in 2001. Once celebrated for her academic achievements, her life took a dramatic turn when she was accused of links to extremist groups after the 9/11 attacks.
In 2008, she was detained in Ghazni, Afghanistan, where she allegedly attempted to shoot American soldiers during an interrogation. Although no one was injured, she was shot in the abdomen during the encounter. The case remains highly controversial, with ongoing demands in Pakistan for her release and repatriation.
