ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday granted time to petitioner in a plea regarding presentation of FATA and IDPs in the ongoing census.
Justice Athar Minallah heard the case filed by FATA resident Samrina Khan, seeking to define strategy regarding the presentation of FATA people and IDPs in the census.
Her counsel argued that the census was being conducted in the country after 1989.
He said there are a large number of people in FATA who could not apply for CNICs. FATA would suffer due to the current method of census, he added. Justice Athar asked, “Do you want census without CNICs?” He said every person should have CNIC in accordance with law.
The bench remarked data of Pakistani citizens was being collected through the census and not of foreigners.
The lawyer said that they have no objection over CNICs but the issue was that there was only 12% literacy rate in FATA and a large number of people have lack of awareness.
He said the CNICs of a large number of people in FATA had been blocked by NADRA on the basis of doubt.
He said that the bench could summon record from NADRA regarding cancellation of CNICs of FATA people.
He requested the court to issue directives to NADRA to restore the CNICs of FATA people.
The bench asked the petitioner to provide any legal reference under which CNICs shouldn’t be necessary during census.
The court directed the petitioner to appear with preparations in next hearing of the case and adjourned the case for indefinite time.
Meanwhile, the IHC disposed of a petition challenging the appointment of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Chairman Absar Alam.
The petition was disposed of after petitioner Dr Aamir Liaqat withdrew his plea.
Justice Aamir Farooq heard the case filed. During the hearing, the petitioner apprised the bench that he wanted to withdraw his plea.
