Shakil Afridi Swap for Aafia Siddiqui Rejected
The rejection of the proposal has raised concerns about the diplomatic efforts to secure Dr. Siddiqui's release, with the court seeking a comprehensive response from the government on its objections to the petition in US courts, as the case continues to unfold, with the next hearing scheduled for next Friday.
Pakistan's government has rejected a proposal to exchange Dr. Aafia Siddiqui for Shakil Afridi, citing a lack of agreement between Pakistan and the US for prisoner exchanges, as both individuals are Pakistani citizens.
The proposal was made by Dr. Siddiqui's US-based lawyer, Clive Smith, but was deemed impractical by the government. The Islamabad High Court is currently hearing a case regarding Dr. Siddiqui's release and return to Pakistan. The court questioned the importance of Shakil Afridi to the US and was informed that he is accused of espionage and aiding others.
The government had previously replied to a letter from the US, stating that President Biden had rejected the request, but the White House did not acknowledge the letter. The court has asked the government to provide a response by next Friday, expressing surprise at the government's stance on the matter. Aafia Siddiqui is currently serving an 86-year sentence in the US for attempted murder and other charges.
The Islamabad High Court also expressed concern over the diplomatic handling of the matter, including the White House's failure to respond to Pakistan's letter regarding Siddiqui's case. The court has instructed the government to provide a comprehensive response regarding its objections to the petition in US courts.
The case has sparked interest in the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the US, with many questioning the handling of the prisoner exchange proposal. The government's stance on the matter is expected to be clarified in the upcoming hearing, which may shed more light on the future of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui and Shakil Afridi.
