Court strikes down Mengal's PNIL listing

The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has declared the inclusion of Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal's name in the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL) as unlawful, unconstitutional, and beyond legal authority, ordering its immediate removal.

A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Rozi Khan Bareech and Justice Sardar Ahmed Halimi announced the verdict on Constitutional Petition No 1149/2025, filed by Mengal against the Ministry of Interior and others.

The petitioner had argued that his name was placed on the PNIL without prior notice or justification, which prevented him from boarding a flight to Dubai for medical treatment. His counsel contended that the move violated fundamental rights enshrined in Articles 4, 9, 10-A, 14, 15, 18, and 25 of the Constitution, as no show-cause notice was issued nor was he given a chance to be heard. The court was also informed that the PNIL has no statutory basis and cannot replace the Exit Control List (ECL).

Government representatives defended the list as a national security tool, but failed to produce any legal framework authorizing its use. The bench ruled that Article 15 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement, including travel abroad, and such rights may only be restricted through lawful and reasonable means.