PHC rejects pleas of two ex-Afghan generals seeking stay in Pakistan

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday dismissed petitions filed by two former Afghan military officials seeking temporary stay in Pakistan.

Both petitioners pleaded that they were facing serious life threats if they were sent back to Afghanistan therefore they should be allowed to stay in Pakistan.

One petitioner, Abdul Mujeeb Ghairat, had served as a special agent with the Afghan Presidential Protective Service, while the other, Baryalai Sharifi, was a general in the former Afghan National Army.

They also sought permission to stay in Pakistan for medical treatment and Abdul Mujeeb Ghairat claimed that they had applied online for visa renewal.

The petitioners had also requested protection from arrest, harassment and deportation under Article 199 of the Constitution.

The court ruled that matters relating to visa renewal, extension and immigration status fall under the relevant administrative authorities.

According to the verdict, the High Court can intervene only where an illegal act, denial of a legal request or violation of a recognised legal right is established. The court found no grounds for intervention under Article 199 and dismissed both petitions. The written verdict was issued by Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel.