FCC restores passport rules, suspends Lahore High Court verdict

Court observes nature of the case and raises questions regarding the circumstances linked to illegal migration

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-April 27^th, 2026) The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Monday restored previously annulled provisions of the Passport and Immigration Rules while suspending the judgment of the Lahore High Court (LHC) and accepting the government’s appeal for hearing.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi issued notices to all parties concerned during the proceedings. The bench observed the nature of the case and raised questions regarding the circumstances linked to illegal migration.

During the hearing, the Additional Attorney General informed the court that a citizen, Farhan Ali, had allegedly travelled illegally to Iran and was later deported from there. He stated that the individual’s name was placed on the Passport Control List due to unlawful activity, and the suspension of his passport was also challenged before the court.

Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi questioned whether the person had travelled abroad independently or was involved in facilitating illegal migration to countries such as Italy in exchange for money. He also sought details regarding the investigation conducted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

The Additional Attorney General informed the court that no detailed report had yet been obtained from the FIA in this regard.

It may be mentioned here that the Lahore High Court had earlier struck down Rules 3 and 10 of the Passport and Immigration Rules. However, the Constitutional Court suspended that decision and adjourned further proceedings indefinitely after admitting the government’s appeal for regular hearing.