Foreign Ministry put on notice in Dr Aafia Siddiqui case

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notice to foreign ministry beside interior ministry in Dr Aafia Siddiqui case and directed it to inform the court about the latest development of the case within two weeks.

Joint secretary interior ministry Shahid Ullah Beg expressed regrets for filing late reply stating the prevailing situation of the country had caused delay in this respect. "We regret for it", he said.

He further submitted negotiations were underway with US authorities in connection with Aafia Siddiqui case. US had assured to provide all medical facilities to Dr Aafia, he told. Foreign ministry is contemplating over this matter therefore, it be made respondent, he requested.

Iqbal Jaffri, counsel to Dr Aafia Siddiqui prayed the court to issue directives to foreign ministry to bring back Dr Aafia from US to Pakistan within 10 days. If the ministry fails then the case be taken up with international court of justice, he argued.

Later talking to media men, Iqbal Jaffri advocate said he hoped IHC would pronounce the best decision taking into account the seriousness of the case which would facilitate Dr Aafia Siddiqui return to Pakistan.