PHC gives Afghan cancer patient 30-day protection from deportation

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has barred law enforcement agencies from arresting or deporting an Afghan cancer patient, his wife and their son for 30 days, allowing the family time to seek permission to remain in Pakistan on humanitarian grounds.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Salahuddin and Justice Jawad Ehsanullah disposed of the petition filed by Anar Gul and his family, directing them to approach the relevant authorities for a medical visa or apply to the Ministry of Interior for leave to stay in the country until his treatment is completed.

The court said that if such an application is submitted, the competent authorities must decide it promptly in accordance with the law while taking into account the petitioner's medical condition and the documents placed on record.

In its order, the bench observed that the petitioners currently do not hold valid immigration status in Pakistan, but noted that the principal petitioner is undergoing critical treatment that warrants humanitarian consideration.

Representing the family, counsel Imran Khan told the court that his clients had been living in Swat on the basis of Proof of Registration cards, which are no longer accepted as valid documents for staying in Pakistan.

He said Anar Gul was first diagnosed with cancer and treated at Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, and is now receiving weekly chemotherapy at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. The lawyer argued that any disruption in the treatment could pose a serious risk to his life.

Assistant Attorney General Syed Jameel Shah told the court that the petitioners no longer had legal authority to remain in Pakistan because their PoR cards had expired.