Top court restores government powers to restrict passports

The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Monday suspended a significant ruling of the Lahore High Court (LHC), effectively restoring the federal government’s authority to inactivate passports and impose long-term travel restrictions.

The interim order allows authorities to continue placing individuals on the Passport Control List (PCL) and restricting their travel until a final decision is issued. The case is being heard by a three-judge bench headed by Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, which has issued notices to all relevant parties.

The matter originated from the case of Farhan Ali, a resident of Vehari, who was deported from Iran. Following his return, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) recommended placing his name on the PCL. Subsequently, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) inactivated his passport and imposed a five-year travel ban.

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Ali challenged the action in the LHC’s Multan bench, which ruled in his favour in December 2025. The high court declared that certain provisions of the Passport Rules 2021, particularly those allowing passport inactivation and extended travel bans, exceeded the authority granted under the Passport Act, 1974.

However, in its appeal, the DGIP argued that discouraging illegal migration is a state responsibility, especially in line with international commitments to combat human trafficking. It maintained that individuals involved in illegal travel or deportation cases should face restrictions to protect the country’s reputation.

During the hearing, government counsel emphasised that the right to travel abroad is not absolute and can be restricted under the law. The FCC will now examine whether the contested rules fall within the legal framework before issuing a final verdict.