Photo credit: Daily Ausaf
The government of Pakistan has decided not to issue passports to Pakistanis either living abroad on asylum or seeking refuge in foreign countries.
The Nation reports that Pakistan’s minister for the Interior has directed the passport office not to issue passports to individuals who have sought asylum or are already living in asylum in foreign countries. This is said to be in the background of national security and international commitments.
The notification has been issued with the approval of the Director-General of Immigration and Passports.
However, legal experts believe the decision will have no consequence, as asylum seekers are banned from travelling to their home countries once they obtain foreign nationality.
Some even believe the decision will strengthen asylees’ cases because it violates their fundamental right.
Legal experts say the notification is counterproductive, as asylum seekers are issued temporary papers by their respective foreign countries to travel to any part of the world other than their home countries.
They do not need passports from their home countries.
