LAHORE: In response to a petition filed at the Lahore High Court, the Foreign Ministry on Monday has been directed to consult the Federal Law Ministry and make necessary efforts for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui from the US courts. 
           
After the February 3 decision of convicting Siddiqui with charges of attempting to kill Americans while detained in Afghanistan, Barrister Javed Jaffri has filed a petition at the Lahore High Court requesting the government to take practical steps to ensure her release and return to Pakistan.

Barrister Javed Jaffri added that the trial judge is Jewish and therefore one could not expect justice from a 'biased person'.

After the hearing, the Lahore High Court disposed off the petition and necessary instructions were given to the foreign ministry. The courts maintain that this issue does not come under the jurisdiction of law but the government of Pakistan. 

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani also confirmed that the Pakistani government will continue to extend diplomatic, legal and moral support for Siddiqui.

Gilani said this during a meeting with Mrs Ismat Siddiqui and Dr Fowzia Siddiqui, the mother and sister of Dr Aaafia Siddiqui, who called on the PM in Sindh Governor House on Monday.

Siddiqui's mother thanked Gilani for taking personal interest in this case.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan and MNA Dr Farooq Sattar were also present on the occasion.