The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the removal of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Raoof Hasan and Aleema Khan from the government’s no-fly lists, citing procedural irregularities and lack of due process.
Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas ruled that placing Hasan on the Provisional National Immigration List (PNIL) and Passport Control List (PCL) without prior cabinet approval contravened Supreme Court directives. The court emphasized that such decisions require collective cabinet consent, not unilateral action by individual officials.
The court noted that Hasan was not given prior notice or an opportunity to be heard before the travel restrictions were imposed, violating principles of natural justice. While the government cited an ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, the court found this insufficient to justify travel bans, especially as Hasan is on bail and cooperating with legal proceedings.
In a related decision, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro removed Aleema Khan’s name off the PNIL and PCL. The court permitted her to approach the appropriate trial court that handles the cases filed against her in order to request permission to travel overseas.
These rulings underscore the judiciary’s insistence on adherence to legal procedures and protection of individual rights in administrative actions.