The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday heard petitions filed by social media personalities, YouTuber Rajab Butt and TikToker Nadeem Mubarak, also known as Naniwala, seeking the removal of their names from the passport control list. The petitions aim to lift the travel restrictions currently imposed on the two individuals.
Justice Muhammad Azam Khan presided over the hearing, which saw the petitioners represented by Barrister Raja Qadeer Janjua and Advocate Ahad Khokhar. During the proceedings, the court issued notices to the Interior Secretary, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and other relevant authorities, requiring them to submit detailed responses regarding the travel bans. Notices were also sent to the Director General of Passports and Immigration to provide their input on the matter.
The petitioners requested the court to direct the concerned authorities to remove their names from the list of individuals barred from international travel. After reviewing the case, the bench instructed the respondents to submit their replies and adjourned the hearing until next week for further proceedings.
Earlier this week, Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak had approached the IHC separately, seeking permission to travel abroad. Both individuals are reportedly facing cases registered under cybercrime and other legal matters, which have led to the current travel restrictions. Each filed a separate petition urging the court to lift the ban and allow them to travel internationally without hindrance.
The petitions name the FIA, the Interior Secretary, and other concerned authorities as respondents, highlighting the legal and administrative entities responsible for enforcing the travel restrictions. The court’s direction to obtain official responses ensures that the matter is addressed comprehensively, with all relevant authorities required to justify the travel bans or propose any necessary actions.
The case is expected to continue next week, with the IHC reviewing the replies submitted by the authorities before making a decision on whether the travel restrictions on Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak can be lifted.
Also Read: Rajab Butt Under Spotlight as LHC Probes Lawyer Suspension
