Islamabad (July 6, 2017): We can not hand someone just because America has demanded so, Islamabad High Court said while hearing the petition against extradition of American national of Pakistan origin Talha Haroon.
While hearing the petition filed by Tlha Haroon’s father Haroon Rasheed Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui asked the Deputy Attorney General why ADCJ did not explained in its judgment just what kinds of documentary proofs are there against Talha Haroon. It is just not enough that we if America demanded handing over Talha Haroon he should be handed over to it, Justice Siddiqui commented.
If Talha Haroon was planning to carry out attack in the US it is imperative to present the proofs of any and all kinds of related activities before the court. The ADCG has to explain what kinds of documentary evidences against Talha Haroon were brought before it, Justice Siddiqui said.
The court adjourned the hearing of the case after ordering ADCG Islamabad Abdul Sattar Essani to appear before the court in person tomorrow.
It may be mentioned here that in late March this year Islamabad High Court (IHC) had stayed the extradition of Talha Haroon to America for allegedly planning an attack on New York in connivance with the so-called Islamic State (IS).
The petitioner says that his son Talha Haroon was into custody in September 2016 while the government initiated the process for his extradition in January 2017. At the time of his arrest Talha was living with his father petitioner Haroon Rashid, who is also a US national.
The petitioner says that Talha did not commit any offence in the United States.
The petitioner says that after the US authorities sought his custody, the matter was referred to District Magistrate Islamabad and inquiry was conducted by Additional District Magistrate, Abdul Sattar Essani.
After hearing the parties on January 15, 2017 Essani recommended to the federal government that the accused may be extradited to the US under section 13 of the Extradition Act 1972, the petitioner says.
Saying that the story against his son is concocted and false the petition says that his Talha Haroon is innocent and has the fundamental right related to freedom of life guaranteed to him under Article 9 read with Article 14 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973. The petitioner pleads the court to halt extradition of his son to America because it would endanger his life.
