PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has dismissed petitions filed by several Afghan nationals arrested for residing in Pakistan without valid travel documents.
In a detailed written judgment, Chief Justice SM Atiq Shah clarified that the individuals detained by law enforcement agencies are Afghan nationals who lack the required legal documentation to remain in the country. Consequently, the court upheld their detention under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act.
The ruling specifically references the Government of Pakistan’s standing policy, which prohibits illegal residents from staying within the country and mandates their repatriation. The PHC has directed law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure the deportation of the petitioners.
To expedite the legal process, the court has ordered subordinate courts to complete the trials of these individuals within one month.
Furthermore, the prosecution department has been instructed to immediately transfer all related cases to the respective courts.
Copies of the decision have been dispatched to the Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Peshawar Jail Superintendent, and the District Public Prosecutor to ensure immediate and strict implementation of the court’s orders.
