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• Observes right to travel abroad protected under Constitution

• Justice Kamran notes immigration powers must be exercised fairly and transparently

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has declared unlawful the off-loading of a passenger from a Nigeria-bound flight at Sialkot International Airport, ruling that immigration authorities cannot curtail a citizen’s right to travel abroad on the basis of vague suspicions or unsubstantiated reasons.

Justice Raheel Kamran passed the judgement on a petition filed by Muhammad Abbas, who challenged his off-loading by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Jan 31, 2026, despite possessing a valid passport, a Nigerian visit visa, a return ticket and other travel documents.