IHC asks govt to settle Afghan students’ stay issue in 30 days

ISLAMABAD: On Wednesday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) addressed a writ petition filed by 87 Afghan students, seeking an extension of their study visas and a decision on their stay in Pakistan within 30 days. The case, brought by Ms Atta Reda and others against the Federation of Pakistan and others, was heard by Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro.

The petitioners, all Afghan nationals enrolled in recognized Pakistani educational institutions, had sought directions to resolve their pending visa extensions and prevent harassment, arrest, or deportation due to expired visas. Their counsel highlighted the academic and logistical disruptions caused by the prolonged visa issues and cited a diplomatic communication from the Afghan embassy urging expedited processing.

Initially, the court questioned the maintainability of the petition, as Afghan nationals typically cannot invoke the court's writ jurisdiction. However, the petitioners' counsel argued that satisfaction could be achieved if the case was converted into a representation and forwarded to the Ministry of Interior for a decision within the specified period.

Assistant Attorney General Sarfraz Rauf countered that Pakistan is at war with Afghanistan and that the matter is a policy issue beyond the court's jurisdiction. The court ultimately decided against invoking its writ jurisdiction and directed the office to submit the case, along with all supporting documents, to the Ministry of Interior for a decision within 30 days.