Accotrding to details, the court has summoned responses on the notices within two weeks.
The IHC, on Monday resumed hearing a petition filed by Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui regarding the release, health, and repatriation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned in the United States.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, who presided over the case, issued a show-cause notice for contempt of court to the federal cabinet for failing to submit the required report in the case. The judge stated that the next hearing will be held on the first working day after the court’s summer recess ends.
Justice Ejaz Ishaq expressed frustration over administrative interference in judicial proceedings, stating that although his official leave was supposed to start today, he had specially scheduled Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui’s case along with other important matters. He revealed that despite his directions, the cause list (roster) was not issued, and his personal secretary was told changes could not be made without approval from the Chief Justice s office.
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The judge said he had instructed his staff to write to the Chief Justice, but even 30 seconds weren’t made available to sign the request. He strongly criticized how administrative powers were being used to hinder judicial work, stating that past rosters had been manipulated to influence specific case outcomes.
Calling Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui “Pakistan’s daughter,” Justice Ejaz Ishaq remarked that justice must not be delayed or obstructed and affirmed, “I will not allow justice to be defeated.” He further noted that the Supreme Court appeal filed by the government against his prior ruling was still not scheduled for hearing, hinting at deliberate delays due to the bench composition.
Advocate Imran Shafiq also criticized the system, claiming “We know how the High Court is being run” and questioned why the Supreme Court had yet to hear the case. He suggested it may only proceed once Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is no longer on the bench.
Justice Ejaz Ishaq concluded that the case of Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui is of a special nature and reiterated that he had previously warned of initiating contempt proceedings if the government failed to comply.
