Aafia Siddiqui’s lawyer in US to arrive in Pakistan on May 4, IHC told

​The legal battle for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s repatriation has taken a significant turn, with the Islamabad High Court (IHC) recently informed that her American attorney, Clive Smith, is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on May 4, 2025. This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to secure Dr. Siddiqui’s release from U.S. custody.​

Background: The Struggle for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s Release

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist, was arrested in Afghanistan in 2008 and later convicted in the United States on charges of attempting to kill U.S. personnel. She was sentenced to 86 years in prison and is currently incarcerated at the Federal Medical Center in Carswell, Texas. Her case has attracted international attention, with various human rights organizations and the Pakistani government advocating for her release.​

In recent years, multiple avenues have been pursued to facilitate her repatriation. The Pakistani government has made several attempts to negotiate her release through diplomatic channels, including sending official delegations to the U.S. and submitting clemency petitions. However, these efforts have largely been unsuccessful. In January 2025, the IHC was informed that the U.S. government had declined to approve a clemency petition for Dr. Siddiqui and had also refused to sign a prisoner swap agreement with Pakistan .​

The Role of Clive Smith

Clive Smith, an American attorney, has been representing Dr. Siddiqui in the U.S. legal system. His upcoming visit to Pakistan is seen as a strategic move to intensify the legal and diplomatic efforts surrounding her case. The IHC has directed that Smith’s visit be coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place.​

During his visit, Smith is expected to meet with Pakistani officials, including Dr. Siddiqui’s sister, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, and legal representatives, to discuss the next steps in the legal proceedings. His presence in Pakistan is anticipated to provide a renewed focus on Dr. Siddiqui’s case and may lead to new legal strategies aimed at securing her release.​

Implications for Pakistan-U.S. Relations

The arrival of Clive Smith underscores the ongoing complexities in Pakistan-U.S. relations concerning Dr. Siddiqui’s case. While diplomatic efforts have been made, the lack of a clear resolution has led to frustration among Pakistani officials and citizens alike. The IHC’s involvement highlights the judiciary’s role in advocating for the rights of Pakistani citizens abroad and ensuring that international legal standards are upheld.​

As Clive Smith prepares for his visit, the international community watches closely. The outcome of his discussions in Pakistan could have significant implications not only for Dr. Siddiqui’s future but also for the broader discourse on human rights and diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the United States.​

Conclusion

The scheduled arrival of Clive Smith in Pakistan on May 4, 2025, marks a critical juncture in the long-standing efforts to secure Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release from U.S. custody. His visit is expected to bring renewed attention to her case and may pave the way for new legal and diplomatic initiatives. As developments unfold, the hope remains that justice will prevail, leading to Dr. Siddiqui’s safe return to Pakistan.