Peshawar High Court rules Afghan nationals’ pleas for naturalisation certificates premature

The Peshawar High Court has dismissed as premature and non-maintainable a series of petitions filed by Afghan nationals seeking naturalisation certificates from the government. The decision was announced by a bench comprising Justice Wiqar Ahmad and Justice Farah Jamshed, who heard around a dozen petitions related to the matter.

The petitioners included Mohammad Jamil and several others. They stated that they had migrated to Pakistan in 1988, with some families arriving even before 1980. The petitioners claimed to have been residing in Pakistan for decades, engaging in business activities and integrating socially and economically into the country.

The Afghan nationals further informed the court that they possessed Afghan Citizens Cards (ACC) and Proof of Registration (POR) cards, which regularised their stay in Pakistan. They argued that their prolonged and continuous residence in the country made them eligible for citizenship through the issuance of naturalisation certificates under the relevant laws.

However, the bench ruled that the petitions could not be directly entertained by the court. The judges observed that the petitioners were required to first exhaust all available departmental remedies before approaching the court for relief. As a result, the court disposed of the petitions, declaring them premature and non-maintainable at this stage.

The court's decision affects several Afghan families who have been residing in Pakistan for decades and are seeking legal recognition of their status. The ruling emphasises the need for petitioners to follow the proper administrative procedures before seeking judicial intervention in matters related to naturalisation and citizenship.