Federal Court Suspends LHC Ruling on Passport Deactivation Powers

A federal constitutional court has suspended a ruling by the Lahore High Court that had set aside the government's authority to render passports inactive, restoring the executive's power to deactivate travel documents pending further judicial proceedings. The LHC decision had been a significant check on state authority, and its suspension by the higher court represents a notable shift in the legal landscape surrounding passport administration.

The government's ability to deactivate passports is frequently invoked in cases involving suspects in criminal proceedings, individuals facing exit control orders, or persons deemed flight risks by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The LHC ruling had challenged the legal basis for this power, prompting the federal government to seek a stay from the superior court.

The suspension means that the government may continue exercising its passport deactivation authority while the substantive legal challenge proceeds through the judicial system. Legal experts note that the final determination could have wide-ranging implications for due process and state security powers.

The case is being closely watched by civil liberties organisations and government agencies alike, as it touches on the balance between executive authority and individual rights of movement and travel.