Peshawar High Court orders decision on Afghan businessman’s visa extension case 

The Peshawar High Court has issued a written judgment regarding a petition filed against the non-extension of visas for an Afghan businessman

The Peshawar High Court has issued a written judgment regarding a petition filed against the non-extension of visas for an Afghan businessman and his family members. The court has directed the relevant authorities to decide the applicant’s visa extension case within 15 days in accordance with the law.

According to the written decision issued by the High Court, the petitioner is a registered taxpayer with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The applicant possesses a National Tax Number (NTN) and is also a member of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The court observed that the applicant has established business ties and fulfills the necessary legal requirements as a registered member of the business community.

The judgment stated that the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, Islamabad, failed to make a timely decision on the visa extension applications submitted by the petitioner. Due to the delay in processing the applications, the applicant and his family have faced difficulties and uncertainty regarding their legal status in Pakistan.

The court emphasized that government authorities are required to make decisions within a reasonable period and in accordance with the provisions of the law. The judgment noted that the applicants had submitted proper applications for visa extensions after the expiry of their previous visa periods. Therefore, their pending applications should have been considered and decided promptly by the relevant department.

The Peshawar High Court further directed the concerned authorities to review the pending visa extension requests and issue a detailed decision within 15 days. The court made it clear that the decision must be based on legal principles and should address all relevant aspects of the applicants’ cases.

The court’s order highlights the importance of timely administrative decisions, particularly in matters involving foreign nationals who are legally residing and conducting business activities in Pakistan. Delays in such cases can create serious challenges for individuals, including difficulties related to travel, business operations, documentation, and compliance with immigration requirements.

The judgment also reflects the court’s view that individuals who meet legal obligations, such as tax registration and business registration, deserve a fair and timely review of their applications. The authorities have been instructed to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure that administrative procedures are completed within the timeframe prescribed by law.

The case was brought before the High Court after the applicant’s visa extension requests remained unresolved despite the submission of formal applications. The petitioner argued that the delay by immigration authorities had caused hardship for him and his family. After examining the facts of the case, the court issued directions to ensure that the pending matters are resolved without further delay.

The written decision of the Peshawar High Court serves as a reminder that government departments must act efficiently and transparently when dealing with legal applications. The court’s order does not grant an automatic visa extension but requires the authorities to make a proper and lawful decision on the pending applications within the specified 15-day period.