PHC orders ministry to process citizenship cases
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.
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