The Sindh High Court (SHC) has recently requested responses from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the federal government regarding an application filed by lawyer Jibran Nasir. The plea addresses an alleged “unlawful restriction” on Nasir’s travel. The court has asked the authorities to submit their replies by August 17.
The legal action comes after Nasir, who was reportedly abducted in June and released 24 hours later, revealed that the FIA prevented him from traveling to Dubai last month. Nasir shared his account of the incident on social media, stating that he and his wife were scheduled to visit his family for Eid. However, while approaching the departure lounge, they were stopped by an FIA official who confiscated their passports and claimed to have received instructions to prevent their departure. No formal explanation was given.
Nasir views the travel restriction as a continuation of the alleged harassment and intimidation he experienced during his abduction in June. In response, he filed a petition stating that the restriction violated his fundamental rights protected by the Constitution of Pakistan.
The petition argues that the right to travel abroad is protected under various articles of the Constitution, including those related to personal liberty, due process, dignity, freedom to travel, and profession. It further points out that Nasir and his wife are not under investigation or on the Exit Control List, the legal means to restrict individuals from traveling abroad. The petition also cites previous court verdicts that recognized travel abroad as a fundamental right.
The plea requested the court to declare the offloading of Nasir and the travel restriction as illegal and unconstitutional. It also sought an inquiry into the FIA officers involved and compensation for any charges or penalties incurred. Additionally, it asked for a letter from the concerned authority acknowledging the unlawful offloading incident for Nasir’s future reference when applying for visas. The petition concluded by requesting general damages and exemplary damages for the mental agony, harassment, ridicule, and embarrassment caused to Nasir and his wife.
The Sindh High Court’s decision to seek responses from the FIA and the federal government indicates a judicial effort to address Nasir’s concerns and ensure the protection of his fundamental rights.