The Lahore High Court has tightened requirements for passenger offloading, directing authorities to issue written reasons on the spot whenever they stop a citizen from traveling abroad, Dunya News reported. Justice Ali Zia Bajwa passed the interim order while hearing a petition filed by Chaudhry Shehryar Qandeel.
The court held that authorities cannot prevent a passenger from traveling if the person holds complete travel documents, unless officials follow proper legal procedure. The judge observed that no level of administrative discretion justifies depriving citizens of their constitutional right to freedom of movement.
In its order, the court noted that Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials sought time to explain the specific legal provisions under which passengers are offloaded moments before departure. The court directed government law officers to present the exact statutory clauses that authorize such actions.
Justice Bajwa emphasized that whenever the state seeks to restrict a citizen’s personal liberty, it must show clear legal authority. He ruled that stopping someone from traveling abroad solely on the basis of an administrative decision violates the constitutional right to free movement.
During the hearing, a government law officer informed the court that no written reasons were available on record regarding the petitioner’s offloading, but assured the court that written reasons would be provided.
Via: Dunya News
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