14/12/2023
Petitions Seeking Pakistan Origin Card (POC) via Writ Petition N o,2469 -P D022.
In a series of connected petitions, the petitioners share a common grievance, primarily revolving around the issuance of Pakistan Origin Cards (POC). The cases involve situations where one spouse is a Pakistani citizen, and the other seeks POC or Pakistani nationality based on the marital relationship. Additionally, some petitions request the registration of marriages, the issuance of Marriage Registration Certificates, and the registration of offspring.
Justice Wiqar Ahmad decided on the following points and gave its judgment
Partial Approval for Nationality Grant, Court Allows Application to Government
Petitioners seeking nationality are allowed to apply to the Government of Pakistan through the Ministry of Interior. The court ruled that a valid passport with a visa is not mandatory if one spouse is Pakistani, but NADRA can request additional proofs. NADRA has the authority to issue or reject the POC (Pakistani Origin Card) after ensuring eligibility and citizenship. The decision will be communicated in writing, and NADRA will review each petitioner's case, issuing orders and allowing hearings for any deficiencies.
Court also Directs NADRA to Facilitate Children's Foreign Birth Registration
The court directed NADRA to streamline the registration process for children born to Pakistani citizens and foreigners, ensuring no hindrance when one spouse is Pakistani. The judgment emphasized updating marital status and ordered NADRA to issue fresh instructions to registration centers for seamless registration of marriages involving Pakistani citizens and foreigners.
