ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday dismissed a petition filed by Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) seeking the government’s direction to bring back Pakistani pilgrims stranded in Iran.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, after preliminary hearing, observed that the court cannot interfere in the policy formulated to counter viral diseases. He hence asked the petitioner to approach the appropriate forum. The petition had cited the federation, interior secretaries, defence, foreign affairs and chairmanof PakistanElectronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) as respondents.

According to the petition, scores of Pakistani pilgrims have been stranded in Iran as their visas have either expired or are expiring soon. It said that these pilgrims are Pakistani citizens but they are not being allowed to return because of the coronavirus (Covid-19) threat.

It was alleged in the petition that this matter had been labeled sectarian in a television talk show and the anchorperson had tried to give the impression that the pilgrims were responsible for spread of Covid-19 in Pakistan. It contended that it was the constitutional responsibility of the respondents to make arrangements so the pilgrims, stranded in Iran could return.

The petition requested the court to issue directions to the respondent authorities for bringing the pilgrims back through air and land routes. It further asked for proper screening of the pilgrims and for infected persons from among them to be shifted to a medical facility for proper treatment.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2020