Human rights activists and politicians have challenged in the Supreme Court the objections raised by the Registrar's Office on their petition against the government's decision to forcefully deport illegal Afghan immigrants.
The Supreme Court Registrar's Office had on November 8 had returned the petition with certain objections. One of the objections raised by the registrar's office was that the petitioners had not pointed out what questions of public importance were involved concerning the enforcement of any Fundamental Rights guaranteed under the Constitution to invoke Article 184(3).
However, the appeal against the registrar's objections contended that their petition raises issues critical to fundamental rights.
"The issues raised in the petition are critical for securing the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution," contended the appeal filed by Umer Ijaz Gillani on behalf of human rights activists and politicians. It added, "The promises contained in the Constitution must never be allowed to become mere verbiage, the harbingers of false hope."
It further stated that every constitutional promise must be encashed – here and now. In this regard, as per Article 184(3) and relevant case law, the Supreme Court, bears a heavy responsibility towards the marginalised and voiceless segments of society who are ordinarily unable to access the courts of law to enforce their rights."
The petitioners include Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, rights activist Amina Masood Janjua, National Democratic Movement Chairman Mohsin Dawar, lawyer Jibran Nasir, Rohail Kasi, Syed Muaz Shah, Pastor Ghazala Parveen, lawyer Iman Zainab Mazari, Ahmad Shabbar, Advocate Imran Shafiq, Luke Victor and Sijal Shafiq.
Through the appeal, the top court has been requested to set aside the objections raised by the registrar's office and direct to fix the case for hearing.