Dr Aafia Siddiqui case: IHC issues contempt notices to PM Shehbaz, other cabinet members

Islamabad (Web Desk): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued contempt of court notices to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and several members of his cabinet due to the federal government’s failure to comply with court directives in the case concerning Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, who authored the court’s written order, criticized the repeated disregard for judicial authority, calling it a deliberate pattern of interference by the executive branch in the functioning of the judiciary.

He noted that, despite being granted multiple chances, the government had neither submitted a required explanation nor provided the report ordered by the court.

Highlighting ongoing administrative disruptions within the judiciary, Justice Ejaz pointed out that court proceedings were being influenced through a roster system overseen by the Chief Justice’s office, which restricted individual judges’ autonomy.

He found this situation both disturbing and irrational, labeling it a contradiction that has come to define the state of affairs in the high court.

The judge further remarked that some judges, even when willing to hear cases during judicial vacations, were being denied permission by the high court’s administration, essentially obstructing the delivery of justice.

Justice Ejaz also reflected on the impact of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, claiming it enabled what he described as a “demolition squad” that weakened the court from within.

He accused the executive of using procedural tactics to avoid compliance, such as filing appeals rather than following through with court-mandated actions. In the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, instead of submitting the amended application as ordered, the government opted to challenge the directive in the Supreme Court — a move that ultimately stalled when the apex court declined to hear the matter.

In his observations, Justice Ejaz expressed concern over what he characterized as an escalating attack on judicial independence, stating that the justice system had been repeatedly undermined to the brink of dysfunction.

He emphasized that the federal government was given ample opportunity to meet its obligations but chose to sidestep the court’s instructions, prompting the initiation of contempt proceedings.

The IHC directed the government to submit a formal response within two weeks.