PHC orders ministry to process citizenship cases
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has directed the Interior Ministry to process applications for citizenship based on the Muhajir Card as per relevant laws, while also instructing NADRA to address complaints regarding delays in issuing Pakistan Origin Cards.
A bench led by Justice Waqar Ahmad heard various petitions, including those filed by Afghan migrants who have been living in Pakistan for years and have been issued Pakistan Origin Cards (POCs) by the government.
The petitioners' lawyer, Saifullah Mohib Kaka Khel, argued that under Pakistani law, individuals who have resided in the country for four years are eligible for citizenship.
The court was informed that despite a clear law governing the grant of citizenship to foreigners, the authorities were not implementing it.
The bench disposed of the petitions, directing the Interior Ministry to process the applications under Section 3 of the Naturalization Act 1926.
In a separate petition, the court expressed concern over NADRA's failure to implement court orders. The counsel for the petitioners pointed to Nadra's alleged bias.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan–US ties entering new era: PM Shehbaz
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended greetings to the United States on its 249th Independence Day, stating that bilateral ties are entering a 'new era' of cooperation and understanding. Speaking at a ceremony hosted by the US Embassy in Islamabad on Wednesday, he congratulated the American people and expressed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening relations between the two nations. 'On the 249th Independence Day of the United States, I extend heartfelt congratulations,' Sharif said. 'We are committed to further strengthening our relations, and both countries are entering a new era of partnership,' he added. He highlighted the historical ties between the two nations, noting that the United States was among the first countries to recognise Pakistan after its independence in 1947. وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا ریاست ہائے متحدہ امریکہ کی آزادی کی 249ویں سالگرہ کی تقریب سے خطاب! — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 4, 2025 'There is a history of Pakistan–US relations,' Sharif said, adding, 'The US is one of the earliest countries to recognise Pakistan.' The prime minister also reflected on Pakistan's sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism, underscoring the toll it has taken on the nation. 'We have suffered immense losses in the war against terrorism,' he said. 'Pakistan's sacrifices in counter-terrorism efforts are second to none.' The event was attended by diplomats, civil and military officials, and members of the Pakistani and international communities.
Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan becomes co chair of UNSC counter-terrorism committee
Listen to article In a major setback for India, Pakistan has been elected vice-chair of the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) Counter-Terrorism Committee and will also chair the UNSC's 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee in 2025. This marks a significant diplomatic victory for Islamabad on the global stage. The recent development comes as a high-level parliamentary delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited the United Nations Headquarters in New York following the confrontation with India over the Pahalgam attack. The situation de-escalated after US President Donald Trump's intervention, leading to a ceasefire. During their visit, the delegation presented Pakistan's position on regional tensions, calling for respect for international law and advocating for peaceful relations with neighbouring countries. Read More: Bilawal proposes ISI-RAW tie-up to fight terror The delegation met with the UN Secretary General, the President of the General Assembly, members of the Security Council, ambassadors of the OIC group, media representatives, civil society members, and the Pakistani diaspora. Pakistan stressed India's unlawful actions, including violations of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law, while condemning attacks on civilians in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The delegation also rejected India's claims regarding the April 22 attack, pointing out the lack of evidence to support those assertions. According to the updated list of chairs for UNSC's subsidiary bodies, Denmark will take charge of the 1267 ISIL (Da'ish) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee in 2025, with Russia and Sierra Leone appointed as vice-chairs. Algeria will take the lead of the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee, with France, Pakistan, and Russia serving as its vice-chairs on the 15-member committee. In addition, Pakistan will also chair the UNSC's 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee in 2025. This committee is responsible for overseeing the implementation of sanctions, including asset freezes, travel restrictions, and arms embargoes, on individuals and groups linked to the Taliban that pose a threat to peace and stability in Afghanistan. Guyana and Russia will serve as vice-chairs of the Taliban Sanctions Committee. These appointments place Pakistan at the heart of global discussions and policymaking concerning counterterrorism efforts and regional stability. The country's active role in these committees highlights its increasing influence within the UNSC. #BREAKING UN General Assembly ELECTS the following countries as Security Council non-permanent members for two-year terms starting 1 Jan 2026: 🇧🇭 Bahrain 🇨🇴 Colombia 🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo 🇱🇻 Latvia 🇱🇷 Liberia Follow our coverage ⤵️ — UN News (@UN_News_Centre) June 3, 2025 In the latest UNSC elections held on Tuesday, five new countries—Bahrain, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Latvia, and Colombia—were elected to serve on the Council for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2026. Read More: Pakistan secures non-permanent seat on UN Security Council Pakistan's election to serve as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2025–26 term further solidifies its leadership. Last year, Pakistan won an overwhelming 182 votes out of 193 in the General Assembly election, well above the required two-thirds majority of 124 votes. The UN Security Council consists of 15 members, including five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—who hold veto power, and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. The current non-permanent members are Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia. Elections take place annually through a secret ballot, with seats distributed according to regional groups. To be elected, candidates must obtain a two-thirds majority in the 193-member General Assembly.
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
After Pakistan downed Indian jets, Indonesia weighs purchase of China's J-10s
JAKARTA: Indonesia is weighing buying China's J-10 fighter jets, given their relatively cheaper price and advanced capability, as it also considers finalising a purchase of US-made F-15EX jets, a senior official said on Wednesday. Southeast Asia's most populous country has in recent years embarked on efforts to modernise its ageing military hardware. In 2022 it bought 42 French Rafale jets worth $8.1 billion, six of which will be delivered next year. A potential purchase has been considered for over a year, before the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, but Taufanto said Indonesia would factor in reports that a Pakistani J-10 plane shot down multiple Indian jets last month. 'We have had talks with China and they offered us a lot, not just J-10, but also ships, arms, frigates,' said Deputy Defence Minister and retired Air Marshal Donny Ermawan Taufanto. 'We're evaluating J-10,' Taufanto said, adding that Jakarta was reviewing system compatibility and after-sales support as well as pricing. A potential purchase has been considered for over a year, before the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, but Taufanto said Indonesia would factor in reports that a Pakistani J-10 plane shot down multiple Indian jets last month. Success of Chinese jets against India raises alarm in Asia: report Jakarta also continues to consider whether to proceed with the next step for its purchase of F-15EX fighters, he said, following the defence ministry's deal with planemaker Boeing for the sale in 2023. Taufanto said the U.S. jets' capabilities were well recorded, but suggested the offered price of $8 billion for 24 planes remained in question. French President Emmanuel Macron said after meeting Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta last week that they had signed a preliminary defence pact that could lead to new orders of French hardware including Rafale jets. 'We're considering (France's) offer. We're considering our own budget, we're evaluating, especially given we have other options like J-10, F-15,' Taufanto said.
