Law: Constitution of Pakistan, 1973

Section: 199,4,9,15,18

Summary of Case The petitioner, Mst. Urooj Fatima, filed a Constitutional Petition under Article 199 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 challenging the blocking/impounding of her passport and placement of her name in the PNIL (Provisional National Identification List) category. The petitioner argued that her passport was blocked without any notice, lawful authority, or due process, preventing her from travelling abroad. She claimed that she had no criminal record and that the action violated her fundamental rights, including the right to be dealt with according to law and the right to freedom of movement. The FIA Immigration authorities informed the Court that her name had been placed on the PNIL list as active since 14.12.2024 but stated that FIA only implements directions and does not independently add or remove names from the list. After examining the record, the Court found no legal justification for continuing the passport blockage. The Court directed that the petitioner’s name be removed from the PNIL category and her passport be reactivated, allowing her to travel abroad according to law. The petition was disposed of accordingly. Sections / Provisions Used Article 199, Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 Constitutional jurisdiction of High Court. Article 4, Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 Right to be treated in accordance with law. Article 9, Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 Security of person. Article 15, Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 Freedom of movement. Article 18, Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 Freedom of trade, business, or profession. Case Description (2 Words Each) Passport Blocking Travel Restriction ORDER The Petitioner, Mst. Urooj Fatima has filed this Constitutional Petition under Article 199 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 with the following prayer: - Declare that the act of blocking / impounding the passport of the petitioner is illegal, unlawful, arbitrary, and without jurisdiction; Direct the respondents to immediately remove the name / passport of the petitioner from PNIL category and activate the passport of the petitioner as well as allow her to exercise her…