The Supreme Court of Pakistan has suspended a Peshawar High Court decision that allowed Afghan men married to Pakistani women to obtain Pakistani citizenship. The apex court observed that the issue requires a detailed examination of the country’s citizenship laws and legal principles.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed heard the case related to the issuance of Pakistan Origin Cards (POC) to Afghan nationals. During the hearing, Additional Attorney General Rana Asadullah informed the court that the federal government had already filed an appeal against the Peshawar High Court’s December 1, 2023, ruling.
The high court had earlier ruled that an Afghan national married to a Pakistani woman could be granted a POC card and eventually Pakistani citizenship. However, the government challenged the ruling, arguing that such a move was inconsistent with Pakistan’s citizenship regulations.
During proceedings, Justice Musarrat Hilali asked on what legal grounds citizenship could be granted and how many individuals had applied so far. The Additional Attorney General informed the court that 117 petitions had been received. Justice Hilali remarked that these were only the known applicants and that many others might exist.
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)’s counsel told the court that Afghan men married to Pakistani women must possess valid visas. Justice Hilali responded that the court must also determine whether these individuals entered Pakistan legally or illegally.
The Supreme Court subsequently suspended the Peshawar High Court’s ruling, issued notices to all concerned parties, and adjourned further proceedings.
