The Lahore High Court has ruled that immigration officials must provide written reasons whenever they prevent a passenger from boarding an international flight. This decision aims to ensure transparency and protect travelers’ rights under the constitution.
Lahore — In a key judgment delivered on February 27, 2026, the Lahore High Court ordered immigration authorities to always record specific reasons in writing and share them with any passenger stopped from traveling abroad. Justice Raheel Kamran made the ruling while hearing petitions from two men who were barred from flying despite having valid documents.
The case involved Muhammad Soban and Ali Raza, who were stopped at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on December 24, 2025. Both held valid passports, return tickets, hotel bookings, and visit visas for Kuala Lumpur. No criminal cases or names on the Exit Control List applied to them.
The petitioners told the court that officials questioned their travel plans and financial means before refusing boarding. They claimed this action breached their basic rights to freedom of movement.
Government lawyers defended the move, citing powers under the Emigration Ordinance 1979 and related standing orders. They said officers checked travel intent and ability to support the trip.
Justice Kamran agreed the state can regulate departures to prevent issues like illegal migration. However, he stressed that such steps must follow due process and remain fair.
The judge pointed out that no written record of reasons was given to the two men at the time. He called this lack of documentation a risk for arbitrary decisions and limited the chance for proper challenge.
The court directed that, going forward, the responsible officer must note brief but clear reasons in writing and hand a copy to the affected passenger as soon as possible.
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The ruling allows Soban and Raza to attempt travel again, provided they meet all legal and document checks.
This decision comes amid growing reports of passengers being stopped at Pakistani airports in recent years, often without clear explanations. Courts have increasingly called for better safeguards in such cases.
