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Islamabad High Court Halts Deportation of 18 Afghan Nationals, Seeks Government’s Response
Islamabad High Court stops deportation of 18 Afghan nationals, issues notices to govt departments, and sets next hearing for Sept 18.
ND
by News Desk
2025-08-25
Islamabad High Court Halts Deportation of 18 Afghan Nationals, Seeks Government’s Response

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has temporarily halted the deportation of 18 Afghan nationals and directed the federal government and its institutions to submit responses in the matter.

In a written order issued on Monday, Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar stopped authorities from sending back the Afghan citizens and sought replies from the Ministry of Interior, NADRA, DG Immigration, FIA, and police.

The petitioners, represented by lawyers Adil Aziz Qazi and others, challenged the government’s decision to revoke their Proof of Registration (POR) cards on August 4, which had paved the way for their deportation.

During the proceedings, the petitioners’ counsel argued that they are members of the family of the late Fazlur Rehman, who had applied for Pakistani citizenship in 2008 after fulfilling all necessary legal requirements. However, no decision has been taken on his application to date.

The IHC, acknowledging the pending citizenship application, restrained the authorities from taking any action against the petitioners until further notice. The case has now been scheduled for hearing on September 18, 2025.

The ruling offers temporary relief to the Afghan nationals as deportations of refugees have become a contentious issue amid Pakistan’s shifting refugee policy. Rights groups have repeatedly urged authorities to adopt a more humanitarian approach in dealing with Afghans who have resided in Pakistan for decades.
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Pakistan

IHC

HumanRights

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