Islamabad High Court strikes down rule allowing agencies to block passport travel
The Islamabad High Court ruled that a provision of the Passport Rules permitting agencies to place citizens on the Passport Control List without clear authority is unconstitutional.
In a detailed judgment, the Islamabad High Court held that the clause allowing government agencies to recommend names for the Passport Control List lacks a designated competent authority and violates Articles 4, 9, 10A and 15 of the Constitution. The ruling stemmed from Moinuddin's experience of being denied boarding for Umrah travel on December 18, 2025, despite a valid passport, Saudi visa and ticket. His name had been placed on the list on December 24, 2024, following a recommendation from NCB-INTERPOL and the FIA’s immigration wing, after his conviction for dangerous driving in the UK and subsequent deportation.
The court noted no criminal proceedings were pending in Pakistan and that the justification of protecting the country's reputation was not authorized by law. It ordered the removal of his name within 15 days and required the authorities to decide his travel application within a week, while affirming that any future action must follow proper legal procedures.
Why it matters
The ruling limits unchecked government power to restrict citizens' international travel, reinforcing constitutional rights.
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