Islamabad: Supreme Court (SC) has suspended Peshawar High Court (PHC) decision for granting Pakistani citizenship to an Afghan national on the basis of his marriage with a Pakistani woman.

The hearing of matter of issuance of Pakistan Origin Card (POC) to Afghan citizen came up for hearing before a three members bench of SC presided over by Justice Shahid Wahid Thursday.

Additional Attorney General (AAG) Rana Asad Ullah appeared in the court and took the plea federation has filed appeal against PHC December 01, 2023 decision. High Court had maintained if any male Afghan national marries a Pakistani woman then POC and citizenship be given to him. However government has objection over the part of the decision on granting citizenship.

Justice Musarrat Hilali inquired citizenship can be given on what basis. How many total applicants are.

AAG told 117 applicants have come to open so far.

Justice Musarrat Hilali remarked these are the persons who have come to open.

Counsel for NADRA took the plea there is condition in respect of valid visa of Afghan national who has married Pakistani woman.

Justice Musarrat Hussain Hilali remarked it is essential to see that some one came by jumping over the wall or entered through door.

AAG informed the court contempt of court pleas are being filed in the light of decision of PHC.

The court while issuing notice to the respondents suspended PHC decision and adjourned further hearing of the case.