IHC seeks replies on Rajab Butt, Nadeem Naniwala travel ban petitions

The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday heard the petitions filed by YouTuber Rajab Butt and TikToker Nadeem Mubarak (Naniwala) to have their names removed from the passport control list.

The hearing of the petitions was conducted by Justice Muhammad Azam Khan, who was represented by Barrister Raja Qadeer Janjua and Advocate Ahad Khokhar for the petitioners.

The court sent notices to the Interior Secretary, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and other concerned authorities to seek their responses. The Director General of Passports and Immigration also received notices.

The petitioners asked the court to direct the removal of their names from the list of people who are restricted from traveling abroad.

After ordering the respondents to file their responses, the court adjourned the hearing until next week.

Earlier on Monday, both had approached the IHC to seek permission to travel abroad.

Both social media influencers are accused in cybercrime cases and other cases and are currently restricted from traveling abroad. They have separately filed petitions to have the ban on international travel lifted. 

The petitioners have named the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Interior Secretary, and other concerned authorities as respondents.