ISLAMABAD(National times)- The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Wednesday stopped the Islamabad High Court from initiating contempt of court proceedings against the prime minister and federal ministers in the Dr. Aafia Siddiqui case. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan heard the appeals of the federal government. The federation had challenged the May 16, 2025, order, seeking to nullify the permission granted for amendments in the petition. The Islamabad High Court had asked the prime minister and the cabinet to clarify why they did not support legal efforts in the United States. The federal government submitted that amending the petition exceeds judicial powers and goes against the finality of decided cases. Reopening a matter that was resolved long ago violates legal principles. According to the federation, the matter pertains to foreign policy and international law. The amended petition sought to declare the government’s steps toward the release and repatriation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui as a constitutional obligation. According to the government, in October 2024, the prime minister wrote a letter to the US President in support of a mercy appeal, a high-level delegation was sent to the US, and efforts were made regarding agreements on the transfer of prisoners. However, US authorities did not agree to the prisoner transfer arrangements. The FCC issued notices to all the parties in the case, and adjourned the hearing.