IHC Orders Government to Resolve Afghan Students’ Visa Issues in 30 Days

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the government to address the visa extension requests of 87 Afghan national students within 30 days. This decision comes after the court disposed of a writ petition that sought to extend their study visas, converting it into a representation for the Ministry of Interior to act upon.

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro presided over the case, which was brought forth by Ms. Atta Reda and her fellow petitioners, all of whom are currently enrolled in recognized Pakistani educational institutions pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The petitioners had invoked Article 199 of the Constitution, requesting urgent action on their pending visa applications and protection from harassment or deportation due to the expiration of their previous visas.

The students’ legal counsel emphasized that the prolonged delay in processing their visa applications has led to significant anxiety and uncertainty among the Afghan nationals, who fear repercussions from authorities. The court’s ruling aims to alleviate these concerns by ensuring that the Ministry of Interior prioritizes their cases.

As the situation unfolds, the Ministry of Interior is expected to expedite the review of the students’ applications, which could set a precedent for future cases involving foreign students in Pakistan. The outcome will not only impact the lives of these Afghan nationals but also reflect Pakistan’s stance on educational inclusivity and international cooperation.