ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was informed on Friday that the US government has declined to approve a clemency petition for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist serving a prison sentence in the US.

This was disclosed during hearing of a petition filed by Dr Aafia Siddiqui`s sister, Dr Fowzia Siddiqui, before the IHC.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan heard the case.

Dr Fowzia Siddiqui`s lawyer, Imran Shafiq, told journalists outside the court that the decision of the US government has been conveyed to the court.

He said the US has also refused to sign a prisoner swap agreement with Pakistan, a potential avenue for her repatriation.

Mr Shafiq said that two primary options for Dr Siddiqui`s release have failed: clemency from the US president and a prisoner exchange agreement.

He said that Pakistan is now pursuing a legal recourse in US courts, filing a petition comprising thousands of pages.

`We are now knocking on the doors of the US judicial system to seek justice, he said, expressing the hope that the US courts might provide relief.