The Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed a petitioner to submit a formal representation to the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Thursday regarding his being stopped from traveling at the airport. Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar ordered the DG FIA to reach a decision on the representation within two weeks and adjourned the case.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar questioned the petitioner’s counsel regarding the identity of the official who stopped the client at the airport. Because the lawyer was unable to provide these details, the judge observed that the petitioner should at least know which shift in-charge prevented the travel. The chief justice expressed displeasure, remarking that he felt like imposing a fine of at least Rs1 million and dismissing the petition. He noted that while the court had summoned the DG FIA and other officers at the petitioner’s request, the petitioner could not identify who had stopped him.
The judge observed that the court exists to protect everyone’s rights, leading the petitioner’s counsel to apologize to the court.
DG FIA Usman Anwar informed the court that the agency had not offloaded the petitioner, Khalid Mahmood, and stated that the petitioner had never approached the FIA. Anwar told the court that the passenger had been stopped by Shaheen Airport Services. In response, the chief justice observed that if the airline concerned did not want to carry the passenger, the petitioner could pursue legal action against it.
The chief justice also questioned the DG FIA about arrangements to inform passengers of travel restrictions. He suggested installing a screen at the airport to display the names of people not permitted to travel so they could address document deficiencies beforehand.
DG FIA Usman Anwar informed the court that Deputy Director and Additional Director Zoneera manages airport-related matters. When the chief justice asked if the FIA had uploaded a video explaining required travel documents, Additional Director Zoneera responded in the negative, adding that the petitioner had never approached the agency.
The court disposed of the hearing with directions to both the petitioner and the DG FIA.
