Law: Passports Act, 1974

Section: 8

Law: Constitution of Pakistan, 1973

Section: 199, 4, 9, 14, 15

Law: Passports Rules, 2021

Section: 21, 22

Law: National Accountability Ordinance, 1999

Section: 18(b), 19

Summary The petitioner challenged the inclusion of his name on the Passport Control List (PCL), arguing that it was done without a hearing and violated the Passport Act, 1974 and his constitutional right to travel. NAB maintained that the petitioner, CEO of a construction company under investigation for alleged corruption involving fake bank guarantees and financial loss to the public exchequer, was rightly placed on the PCL to prevent him from absconding. The Court held that although the right to travel can be restricted, such restrictions must comply with due process and cannot rest solely on the pendency of an investigation. Since the petitioner's representation for removal from the PCL had not been decided through a reasoned order, the Court directed the competent authority to reconsider and decide it after granting a personal hearing within 30 days. The petition was disposed of with these directions. Sections / Articles Used Article 199 – Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 Section 8 – Passport Act, 1974 Articles 4, 9, 14 & 15 – Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 Rules 21 & 22 – Passport Rules, 2021 Section 18(b) – National Accountability Ordinance, 1999 Section 19 – National Accountability Ordinance, 1999 Two 2-Word Descriptions Passport Control Travel Rights         O R D E R Petitioner has filed this Constitution Petition under Article 199 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973, seeking the following relief:- To declare that placing the name of the petitioner in PCL without providing an opportunity of hearing is a violation of section 8 of the Passport Act 1974; To declare that the new arrangement by NAB vide Letter No. 1(9)/HQ/2329/NAB-L/1W-II dated 27.11.2025 is a new arrangement and has already superseded the impugned letters dated 1.11.2024 and 27.5.2025; To suspend the operation of the impugned letters dated 1.11.2024 and 27.5.2025 till the final decision of this case; To direct the respondents to remove the name of the petitioner from PCL in view of the new arrangement by NAB vide letter No. 1(9)/HQ/2329/NAB-L/1W-II…