The Islamabad High Court has raised important legal questions during the hearing of the application regarding the extension of visas of 87 Afghan students studying in Pakistan. The court also sought clarification regarding the legal status of the students and the authority of the lawyer filing the application on their behalf.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro asked the lawyer during the hearing under what circumstances these students entered Pakistan and what is the legal basis for extending their visas in the current circumstances. The court also raised questions on whether foreign citizens can file such an application directly in the High Court under constitutional jurisdiction.
The petitioner’s lawyer took the stand that 87 Afghan students came to Pakistan in 2023. According to him, at that time the government policy regarding Afghan students was different and the students were issued regular educational visas for one year.
The lawyer told the court that the students’ presence in Pakistan was with the permission of the government. Now their visas have expired or are about to expire, so they want an extension of their visas for further stay.
During the hearing, the court also asked the lawyer under which law the power of attorney was obtained to fight the case on behalf of the 87 Afghan students. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro sought an explanation of this legal authority.
The court also raised the question of on what legal basis foreign citizens have the right to seek relief from the High Court through a constitutional petition. The lawyer assured the court of providing further legal assistance on this issue.
During the hearing, the court also suggested the students to raise the matter through the Afghan embassy. According to the court, the matter can be referred to the relevant Pakistani authorities through diplomatic channels.
The case concerns the future stay of 87 Afghan students who came to Pakistan for education in 2023. The students have requested to extend their visas and provide legal protection for their stay.
In the latest hearing, the court did not give a final decision on the application. Further action will be taken after providing assistance on the legal questions raised by the lawyer.
