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U.S. attorney Clive Smith, representing Dr. Aafia Siddiqui in her legal matters in both Pakistan and the United States, proposed a prisoner exchange during a hearing at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday.
He suggested that Dr. Siddiqui be released in exchange for handing over Shakil Afridi to the U.S.
The court directed the government to submit its response by February 21.
During the hearing on multiple petitions regarding Dr. Siddiqui’s release from a U.S. prison, Clive Smith presented a new declaration, advocating for the extradition of Shakil Afridi—currently imprisoned in Pakistan—to the U.S. in return for Dr. Siddiqui’s repatriation.
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Smith stressed that Dr. Siddiqui’s return to Pakistan could be facilitated through this exchange. Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan inquired about the government’s position on the proposed swap and requested a detailed response addressing all aspects of Smith’s declaration.
Earlier, former U.S. President Joe Biden had rejected Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s mercy petition.
