ISLAMABAD, Mar 7 (Alliance News): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday raised concerns over Pakistan’s recent extradition of an alleged Daesh commander, Mohammad Sharifullah, to the United States, questioning why a similar approach was not taken for Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s repatriation.
During the hearing, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan scrutinized the federal government’s stance, noting that while authorities claim no prisoner exchange agreement exists with the US, they still handed over Sharifullah.
He also referenced an in-camera briefing on Dr Shakil Afridi’s extradition, pressing the additional attorney general (AAG) for an explanation.
The court criticized the government’s response regarding Dr Aafia’s case, highlighting that despite submitting declarations, the provided explanations remained unsatisfactory. The judge questioned whether the government intended to dismiss the case without taking substantial steps.
Justice Khan acknowledged that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had written the required letter for Dr Aafia’s case and issued the necessary visa. However, he insisted that the government’s actions should be transparent, stating, “The whole world will know what the Government of Pakistan has done.”
The federal government has filed a miscellaneous application seeking the immediate dismissal of Dr Aafia’s petition. The court has issued a notice and requested a response from the petitioner, adjourning the hearing until March 14.
Sharifullah was extradited to the US just two days ago after being arrested near the Pak-Afghan border. He is accused of orchestrating the August 2021 attack at Kabul’s Abbey Gate, which killed 13 American soldiers and nearly 170 Afghan civilians.
Meanwhile, Dr Aafia Siddiqui continues to serve an 87-year sentence in a US prison, where reports suggest she has faced severe mistreatment.
