Syed Kaleem Shah:
The Balochistan High Court has admitted for hearing a constitutional petition challenging the repatriation of Afghan refugees from the province. The two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Rozi Khan Bareech and Justice Sardar Ahmed Haleemi, directed federal and provincial authorities to provide a detailed explanation on the matter.
During Monday’s proceedings, petitioner Advocate Syed Nazir Agha argued that a large number of Afghan children are currently enrolled in schools and colleges across Balochistan, with their annual examinations only a few months away. Forcing families to leave, he said, would disrupt the students’ education and risk depriving refugees of their properties.
He further maintained that Afghan nationals married to Pakistani citizens are entitled to nationality under the Pakistan Citizenship Act of 1951, and that mass expulsions would contradict fundamental rights enshrined in the 1973 Constitution, including Articles 2A, 9, 25, and 25A.
After hearing arguments, the court issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Balochistan, Federal Secretary for Interior, Secretary of SAFRON, Commissioner Quetta Division, Inspector General of Police Balochistan, and Director General Levies, seeking clarification in the next hearing.
The petition, filed by Advocate Nazir Agha, is scheduled for hearing again next week. Legal observers say the case could have significant implications for both refugee policy and constitutional rights in Pakistan.
