Afghan refugee moves IHC against deportation

Afghan refugee seeks court intervention to prevent deportation amid government crackdown on illegal residents

ISLAMABAD:

An Afghan citizen, who claimed to be a legal refugee in Pakistan, on Tuesday moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to stop his deportation as part of the government’s crackdown on all those who were residing illegally in the country.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard the request of the Afghan citizen on the last day of the government’s deadline for the evacuation of foreigners who were staying illegally. The court issued notices to the relevant authorities for their replies.

The Afghan refugee took the plea that he was issued the eviction notice on Oct 23 despite possessing the ‘Refugee Card’.

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He said that he lived with his family in Jhelum and his three children were studying at a local school.

Further, the petitioner said, he went to the interior ministry on the matter but was not heard.

He requested the court to stop harassment of his family at the hands of the government officials, and their ultimate deportation.

The court adjourned the hearing while issuing notices to the parties concerned.