IHC bench for Aafia Siddiqui case dissolves again as Justice Minhas steps aside

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD : The Islamabad High Court’s proceedings on the petition regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui have once again faced disruption, as Justice Inam Amin Minhas recused himself from hearing the case.

The case file has now been sent to IHC Chief Justice Sarfraz Doga for the formation of a larger bench.

The petition, filed by Dr. Aafia’s sister, Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, was brought forward in today’s hearing. During the session, petitioner’s counsel Advocate Imran Shafiq highlighted the growing complexity of the case.

However, Justice Minhas disagreed, stating, “There is no complexity. I have already given a decision regarding the chief justice’s role as Master of the Roster.”

When the counsel asked for clarification, Justice Minhas reiterated that, like Justice Muneeb, he believes the chief justice is the “Master of the Roster”. He explained that conflicting legal opinions exist on this matter, and therefore the issue should be decided by a larger bench.

Previously, the case was being heard by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, whose bench had issued contempt of court notices to the prime minister and Cabinet over non-compliance with court orders.

That bench was later dissolved, and Justice Ejaz was reassigned to a special tax division bench led by Justice Babar Sattar. The Aafia Siddiqui case was then transferred to Justice Inam Amin Minhas.