ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Saturday asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the issuance of visa for the family of Dr Aafia Siddiqui to the United States.
IHC Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan resumed hearing on the petition seel(ing recovery of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.
In compliance to IHC`s June 20 order, the Foreign Of fice submitted a report before the court. The petition has been filed by Fauzia Siddiqui, Dr Aafia`s sister.
According to the report, the Pakistan consul general visited the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) where Dr Aafia is currently detained, but it appears she now believes that her family is no longer alive, and the warden of FMC states that Dr Aafia could not be forced to make a phone call if she does not wish to.
Counsel for the petitioner said the Foreign Office may be directed to facilitate a visa for Dr Aafia`s family to visither in the US.
The officer appearing for the Foreign Of fice in the court said the FO would make its best efforts to facilitate the visa and the requisite permission for the family to visit Dr Aafia, but it cannot be guaranteed because the ultimate decision in this regard rests with the US government.
The court then directed the Foreign Office to facilitate the visa for the family of Dr Aafia to visit her in the US, with the assurance that the family`s liberty and safety will not be endangered by association with Dr Aafia.
The of ficer representing the Foreign Office in court will provide his contact details to the counsel for the petitioner for Dr Aafia`s family to exchange the requisite information and for communication to be facilitated, the court order added.
Further hearing in the matter was adjourned till Aug 5.
