LHC orders placement of overseas Pakistani woman’s name on passport control list

LAHORE, Apr 08 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday ordered authorities to place the name of an overseas Pakistani woman on the passport control list and directed police to produce her along with her children before the court in a petition seeking their recovery.

Justice Muhammad Jawad Zafar passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Muhammad Waqas Noor, who alleged that his wife and children had been abducted and sought their recovery.

During the hearing, SP Operations Cantonment Akhtar appeared before the court along with Deputy Prosecutor General Fakhar Abbas. The court expressed displeasure over the late appearance of the relevant SHO, Shehryar, prompting an apology from the SP Cantonment, who assured the bench that such an incident would not happen again.

Responding to the court’s query, the SP informed the bench that the overseas Pakistani woman had permanent Italian resident card and was currently staying at the Embassy of Italy in Islamabad along with her children.

He further stated that both parties had been included in the inquiry and that the woman had left of her own free will, adding that authorities had also spoken to her through a video link.

The court directed the federal government’s law officer to determine the number of passports held by the woman.

Justice Javad Zafar also instructed SP Cantonment to ensure production of the woman and her children before the court on April 9, warning that failure to comply could result in the summoning of the Punjab police chief.

The court observed that there were indications of possible unpleasant developments in the matter and emphasised that under the Constitution every citizen has the right to life and liberty.

The hearing was later adjourned until April 9.