Govt Rejects Exchange Aafia Siddiqui with Shakeel Afridi

Islamabad – The federal government has officially rejected the proposal to exchange Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned in the United States, with Shakeel Afridi, a Pakistani doctor convicted of espionage. The announcement was made during a crucial hearing at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday.

Key Highlights:

• No Legal Framework for Prisoner Swap: Additional Attorney General (AAG) Munawar Iqbal Duggal informed the court that there is no agreement between Pakistan and the US for such an exchange.

• Government’s Reservations: The AAG revealed that Pakistan has concerns about certain aspects of the draft petition filed by Aafia Siddiqui’s legal team in US courts.

• Judicial Scrutiny: Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan questioned why Shakeel Afridi was of particular interest to the United States.

• Pending Legal Actions: Afridi’s appeal remains under review at the Peshawar High Court.

• Diplomatic Roadblocks: The court noted that the White House has not responded to Pakistan’s letter regarding Siddiqui’s case.

Legal and Diplomatic Implications

Amicus curiae Zainab Janjua stated that Afridi remains a significant figure due to his alleged involvement with foreign intelligence agencies, particularly in the operation against Osama bin Laden. Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui’s lawyer, Imran Shafiq, reiterated that Afridi’s actions were linked to US intelligence efforts in Pakistan.

The court expressed concerns over the lack of diplomatic engagement by the government to secure Siddiqui’s release. Justice Khan noted that despite Pakistan’s official letter to the US, the Biden administration had dismissed her application without formal acknowledgment of Pakistan’s communication.

Government’s Stance on Aafia Siddiqui’s Case

The rejection of the prisoner swap proposal, originally suggested by Aafia Siddiqui’s American lawyer, Clive Smith, complicates ongoing efforts for her release. The IHC has adjourned the hearing until next Friday, directing the government to provide a detailed response to objections raised regarding the legal petition in US courts.

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is currently serving an 86-year prison sentence in the US for allegedly attempting to kill American soldiers in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Shakeel Afridi is imprisoned in Pakistan on charges of espionage and collaboration with the CIA.

Conclusion

The case remains a critical point in Pakistan-US relations, with both nations standing firm on their legal positions. As the legal proceedings continue, the future of both prisoners remains uncertain.

Source: Samaa News