# Passport Control List: IHC strikes down rule used to stop travellers at airports

Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/pakistan/passport-control-list-ihc-strikes-down-rule-used-to-stop-travellers-at-airports)
Type: News article
Author: Searchable Editorial
Published: 27 Sept 2026
Updated: 27 Sept 2026
Retrieved: 30 Sept 2026

> The Islamabad High Court has declared Rule 22(2)(b) of the Passport Rules 2021 unconstitutional. What changes if you were offloaded or had your passport blocked without notice.

The **Islamabad High Court** has declared **Rule 22(2)(b) of the Passport Rules, 2021** unconstitutional, removing the provision that let authorities put citizens on the **Passport Control List (PCL)** without notice, a hearing or a named decision-maker, Dawn reported on 27 September 2026. Justice **Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas** held that the rule violates Articles 4, 9, 10A and 15 of the Constitution, which protect due process, liberty, a fair trial and freedom of movement.

## The case

The petitioner, **Moinuddin**, was offloaded at **Islamabad International Airport** on **18 December 2025** while travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, despite holding a valid passport and Saudi visa. He had been placed on the PCL on **24 December 2024** after being deported from the UK, where he served a three-year sentence. No criminal case was pending against him in Pakistan.

The court found that the rule:

- named no **competent authority** to decide who goes on the list,
- set **no objective criteria** for placement,
- gave citizens **no notice or hearing**, so many learned of the ban only at the immigration counter,
- relied on grounds such as "reputation" and "deterrence" that have no basis in law.

## What the court ordered

1. The agency order of **26 January 2026** against the petitioner is set aside.
2. His PCL placement is **unlawful and of no legal effect**.
3. His name must be **removed within 15 days**.
4. Authorities must **not interfere** with his lawful foreign travel.
5. His **passport application** must be decided **within one week**.

## What it means if you were stopped

The ruling is on one petition, but the provision itself is gone. If you were placed on the PCL under Rule 22(2)(b) without notice, you can cite this judgment in a representation to the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports or in a petition to the High Court. Keep your offloading record, your passport application receipt and any letter you received.

The court did not bar travel restrictions altogether. The government can still stop someone from travelling through a **lawful procedure**: a named authority, notice with reasons, and a real, immediate need. The **Exit Control List (ECL)**, which works under a separate law, is not affected by this ruling.

## Before you fly

If you are planning Umrah or work travel, check your passport status and fees in advance: see the [passport fee calculator](/tools/government/passport-fee-calculator) and [NADRA fee calculator](/tools/government/nadra-fee-calculator).

## Frequently asked questions

**What is the Passport Control List?**

A list kept under the Passport Rules that lets authorities refuse or impound passports and stop listed citizens from travelling abroad. The IHC has struck down Rule 22(2)(b), the clause that allowed placement without notice or criteria.

**Does the ruling remove the Exit Control List?**

No. The ECL works under the Exit from Pakistan (Control) Ordinance, a separate law, and was not part of this case.

## Sources

- IHC voids law allowing agencies to curb travel (Dawn): https://www.dawn.com/news/2032949/ihc-voids-law-allowing-agencies-to-curb-travel

How to cite: "Passport Control List: IHC strikes down rule used to stop travellers at airports", Searchable, 27 Sept 2026, https://searchable.pk/news/pakistan/passport-control-list-ihc-strikes-down-rule-used-to-stop-travellers-at-airports