ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Monday informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that since Pakistan had no extradition treaty with the US, it was not possible for the government to bring Aafia Siddiqui back home.

IHC Justice Noorul Haq N. Qureshi then directed counsel for Fauzia Siddiqui, sister of Aafia, to suggest further ways to resolve this issue and put off hearing for two weeks.

Fouzia Siddiqui had filed the petition in October last year seeking directions for the government to increase its efforts for the release of her sister and for arranging meetings with the family members.

She also wanted that the ministry of foreign affairs should keep updating the detained lady’s family about her physical and mental health.

Deputy attorney general (DAG) Raja Khalid Mehmood on Monday submitted a report before the court regarding government’s efforts in bringing Aafia Siddiqui back home.

DAG told the court that the matter of Dr Aafia Siddqui had been taken up at diplomatic level but in the absence of extradition treaty between Pakistan and the US, her return is not possible in the current scenario.

DAG Mehmood further told the court that Pakistani government also provided legal assistance to Aafia Siddiqui.

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2016