On 1st September 2025, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) bench hearing the plea for Aafia Siddiqui Repatriation was dissolved, creating fresh uncertainty in the case. Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas, who had been overseeing the matter, referred it to Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar for the formation of a larger bench.
According to the registrar’s report, contempt notices issued to the Prime Minister and cabinet in connection with Aafia Siddiqui Repatriation cannot be executed until key legal questions regarding roster allocation and case assignment are resolved. The transfer of the case on 29th August, after changes in the duty roster, has further contributed to the dela
Earlier this year, the IHC was informed that Washington had rejected both proposed options for Aafia Siddiqui Repatriation—a U.S. presidential pardon and a possible prisoner exchange agreement. Following these denials, Siddiqui’s legal team shifted its efforts to U.S. courts, seeking alternative avenues for relief.
Despite these setbacks, the Government of Pakistan has renewed its diplomatic and judicial efforts to support Aafia Siddiqui Repatriation. Officials assured the court that they remain committed to pursuing the matter, while awaiting the Chief Justice’s decision on whether a larger bench will be constituted to hear the petition.
The next hearing on the petition for Aafia Siddiqui Repatriation will only be scheduled once the Chief Justice finalizes the new bench. The outcome of this development will play a decisive role in shaping the future course of the case.
FAQs on Aafia Siddiqui Repatriation
Why was the IHC bench hearing the Aafia Siddiqui Repatriation case dissolved?
The IHC bench was dissolved after Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas referred the case to Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar. A larger bench is expected to be constituted to continue hearings on Aafia Siddiqui Repatriation.
What legal hurdles are causing delays in this case?
The registrar’s report mentioned that contempt notices to the Prime Minister and cabinet could not be executed until legal questions regarding roster allocation and case assignment are resolved.
Has the U.S. shown any willingness to release Aafia Siddiqui?
So far, Washington has denied both a presidential pardon and a prisoner exchange. Her legal team has now turned to U.S. courts for further relief.