ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday stayed the extradition of a US citizen of Pakistani origin to America for allegedly planning an attack on New York in connivance with the so-called Islamic State (IS).

The court was hearing a petition filed by Haroon Rashid, father of the suspect, Talha Haroon.

This is not the first time that US is seeking the custody of an individual from Pakistan in connection with planning and executing terrorism and criminal activities.

In 1995, Pakistani government handed over Ramzi Yousaf to the US in connection with 1993 bombing on World Trade Center and in 1997, Pakistan extradited Mir Aimel Kasi an accused of killing two agents of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the CIA Headquarters in 1993.

After 9/11, scores of Pakistani citizens, including Dr Aafia Siddiqui, were handed over to the United States.

Former President retired General Pervez Musharraf in his book “In the Line of Fire” admitted that soon after 9/11, Pakistan handed over 369 people to the US authorities, and earned millions of dollars.

Ayesha Haroon, sister of suspect Talha Haroon talking to Dawn claimed that her brother was innocent.

The petition cited secretary interior, director general Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Adiala Jail superintendent and district administration as respondents.

IHC Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui after preliminary hearing issued notices to the respondents and put off hearing till the date to be fixed by the registrar office.

The petition pointed out that the accused presently incarcerating in Adiala Jail had been taken into custody in September 2016 while the government initiated the process for his extradition in January 2017.

According to the petition, Talha was living in Quetta along with his father Haroon Rashid, who is also a US national.

The petition claimed that Talha did not commit any offence in the United States.

It said 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.

Essani after hearing the parties on January 15, 2017 recommended to the federal government that the accused may be extradited to the US under section 13 of the Extradition Act 1972, it further said.

His son 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 petition said, adding his extradition to America would endanger his life.

The story against the petitioner’s son is concocted and false, the petition claimed.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2017