Overview
- Led by Justice Shahid Waheed, a three-member bench suspended the December 1, 2023 Peshawar High Court directive that granted a Pakistan Origin Card and citizenship to the Afghan spouse pending a final decision.
- The federal government told the court it does not oppose issuing Pakistan Origin Cards to foreign husbands but argued that citizenship cannot be granted under existing law.
- The Supreme Court issued notices to the respondents in the appeal and adjourned the matter for further hearings.
- The dispute stems from a challenge to Section 10(2) alleging discrimination against Pakistani women, with the PHC drawing on a 2008 Federal Shariat Court finding, and officials reported 117 similar applications after the PHC ruling.
- NADRA’s counsel said applicants must hold valid visas, and the bench emphasized verifying lawful entry before any documentation is issued.