Authorities directed to remove PTI leader’s name from PNIL, PCL

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court on Thursday directed the relevant authorities to remove the name of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Senator Faisal Javed from the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL) and Passport Control List (PCL), allowing him to travel abroad for Umrah.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Aurangzeb while hearing the cases also dismissed his contempt of court petition.

Justice Sahibzada Asadullah asked the petitioner’s lawyer to specify the cases under which Faisal Javed’s name was placed on the PNIL. Faisal Javed responded that the cases were from Islamabad.

Additional Attorney General Sanaullah said that six FIRs were filed against Faisal Javed while his name had been removed from the list following a court order, three new cases had led to his name being placed again on the PNIL and PCL.

He argued that these cases included Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and that Faisal Javed had not appeared before the courts.

Faisal Javed’s lawyer expressed concern that his name could be added to another FIR in the future.

The court also questioned whether his Umrah visa was still valid, to which Faisal Javed confirmed that his visa was still active and he planned to travel for Umrah from Peshawar.

Petitioner’s lawyer, Alam Khan Adeenzai, argued that a person’s name could only be placed on the list if they were accused of anti-state activities, adding that the cases were from November 2024, yet Faisal Javed’s name was added to the list on March 6, 2025. He further emphasized that names should not be placed on the list based on political reasons.

Justice Asadullah questioned why Faisal Javed’s name was added to both the PNIL and the Passport Control List, to which the AAG explained that both lists had different legal standings.

He pleaded that Faisal Javed’s name was added on March 5, 2025, based on Islamabad police’s recommendation. The Ministry of Interior sent a letter to the FIA to place his name on the list, and names on the PCL can remain for up to five years.

The AAG claimed that Faisal Javed was categorized under “Category A” as he had not appeared in court, and that the events of November 26 were against the state. Since Faisal Javed had been declared an absconder by the courts, his name was added to the list by a section officer and a relevant official.

The court advised Faisal Javed to appear before the relevant courts, secure bail, and then request permission to travel. His lawyer argued that the PHC had already granted Faisal Javed protective bail until April 15, ensuring that he could not be arrested upon appearing in court.

He also pointed out that the letter used to place Faisal Javed’s name on the list was not issued by the relevant official.

After arguments, the bench ordered the removal of Faisal Javed’s name from both lists and dismissed his contempt of court petition.