ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court questioned the Federal Investigation Agency’s authority to offload passengers from travelling abroad. FIA is doing this under its internal standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas heard a petition filed by citizen Sajid. FIA Additional Director Zunaira and Deputy Director Afzal Niazi appeared before the court.
FIA Defends Passenger Offloading
During the hearing, FIA officials presented a 1975 letter and said authorities were offloading passengers under SOPs. However, Justice Minhas questioned whether the letter gave the agency legal authority to prevent passengers from boarding flights. The judge observed that an SOP could not replace legislation or restrict citizens’ fundamental right to travel. Justice Minhas further said state institutions could not change laws themselves and impose restrictions through internal procedures. The FIA official told the court that 45,850 deportees had returned to Pakistan.
He also said 39,095 people who travelled abroad on visit visas did not return. More than 1,100 people were involved in begging abroad. The judge questioned whether the FIA could stop passengers merely because officials believed they might engage in certain activities overseas.
Court Seeks Legal Provisions
Justice Minhas observed that the FIA should seek legislative amendments if existing laws did not provide sufficient authority for such measures.
He warned that allowing institutions to operate through internal SOPs could affect fundamental rights and create a wider legal precedent.
The court directed the FIA to assist at the next hearing with specific legal provisions governing passenger offloading and travel restrictions.
Justice Minhas ordered FIA officials to appear fully prepared and adjourned the case.
Earlier, on September 4, the IHC had also expressed displeasure over passengers being offloaded without being given valid reasons.
Justice Ayaz Shaukat had observed that authorities should record reasons whenever they stop passengers from travelling.
The court had raised the issue while hearing a petition filed by Muhammad Saeed Khan, who was stopped from boarding a Malaysia-bound flight.
The court had also questioned the absence of the FIA official responsible for the passenger’s offloading.
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