Azam Swati accuses Ishaq Dar of halting Afghan visa process
PTI leader Azam Swati. Photo: Express
The Peshawar High Court has issued a notice to the federal government regarding a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Azam Swati, who alleges that his visa process to travel to Afghanistan has been blocked by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
A two-member bench, led by Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Waqar Ahmed, heard the petition in which Swati’s lawyer argued that the former senator and federal minister was seeking permission to travel to Afghanistan with his family.
However, despite formal diplomatic communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued on 12 August, the visa process has not been approved.
Swati’s lawyer further claimed that Dar had intentionally delayed the verbal note, halting the visa process.
"Every citizen has the constitutional right to travel freely," the lawyer stated, referring to the freedom of movement guaranteed in Pakistan’s Constitution.
After hearing the initial arguments, the court issued a notice to the federal government, seeking an explanation regarding the delay.
The hearing has been adjourned, and the government has been asked to submit its response.