ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court today directed the Ministry of Interior to file a report by Oct 26 after consulting the foreign affairs secretary about the issuance of a NICOP to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the Islamabad High Court issued the order after the court resumed hearing on a petition filed by the MQM through Momin Khan. Khan, former deputy convener, is seeking issuance of National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) to Altaf Hussain.
The legal adviser of the National Database and Registration Authority told the court that Mr Hussain’s profile does not exist in NADRA’s records.
He said it was probable that his last card was issued before the establishment of Nadra.
The court regretted that the interior ministry had kept application of Altaf Hussain pending since 2014.
The ministry told the IHC that it had blocked Hussain’s identity card and passport on the orders of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC). The court sought a report from the interior ministry and adjourned further hearing to Oct 26.
