Peshawar: Peshawar High Court (PHC) has stopped law enforcement agencies from arresting or deporting cancer patient Afghan national, and his two family members for 30 days on humanitarian basis. .
PHC bench comprising Justice Salahuddin and Jawad Ehsan Ullah while wrapping up petition filed by cancer patient Anar Gul and his wife and son directed them to approach respective authorities for obtaining medical visa or file proper application in interior ministry to seek permission for stay in Pakistan till completion of treatment.
The bench directed that on receipt of such application the competent authorities will decide immediately according to law keeping in view health condition of the petitioner or the material presented in this regard.
The court made it clear in its decision although the petitioners are not having legal immigration status at present but the petitioner is under treatment.
Imran Khan counsel for the petitioner argued his client was settled in Swat on the basis of Proof of Registration Cards (PRO) while these cards have no more remained the credible documents for stay in Pakistan.
The petitioner Anar Gul remained under treatment in Agha Khan University Karachi following diagnosis of his disease. His chemotherapy treatment is underway on weekly basis at Al- Shifa International Hospital Islamabad at present. Any delay in treatment can pose life risk to him.
Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Syed Jamil Shah took the plea that as the PRO of the petitioner has been cancelled therefore, he has no legal authority to continue his stay in Pakistan.
AAG however told that the petitioner should approach competent authorities for acquiring medical visa or he can resort to interior ministry in connection with his stay in the country till the completion of his treatment.