PHC dismisses petitions of ex Afgan generals

PESHAWAR, Aug 06 (APP): Peshawar High Court on Thursday dismissed petitions filed by two former Afghan generals seeking temporary stay in Pakistan, visa renewal, and protection from deportation.

A bench comprising Justice Waqar Ahmad and Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel issued a detailed written order on the petitions.

According to the court’s order, one of the petitioners had previously served as a Special Agent in the former Afghan Presidential Protective Service, while the other had held a senior position in the former Afghan National Army.

The petitioners argued that following the change of government in Afghanistan, their lives would be at serious risk if they were forced to return. They therefore requested permission to remain temporarily in Pakistan and receive emergency medical treatment.

The petitioners further stated that they had already submitted applications to the relevant authorities for the extension and renewal of their visas. They prayed the court to direct the authorities to protect them from arrest, harassment, and deportation until the visa renewal process was completed.

In its order, the Peshawar High Court clarified that all matters relating to visa renewal, extension, and the stay of foreign nationals fall within the jurisdiction and authority of the relevant government and administrative bodies.

The court held that, under Article 199 of the Constitution, there was no legal basis for judicial intervention in this administrative matter. Consequently, the bench dismissed the petitions filed by the two former Afghan generals.