The Lahore High Court on Thursday ruled that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) must provide written reasons before offloading passengers from international flights.

The court emphasised that administrative discretion cannot justify depriving citizens of their freedom, and if the state intends to restrict personal liberty, it must demonstrate a legal mandate.

The ruling came through an interim written order issued on a petition filed by citizen Chaudhry Sheharyar Qandeel.

The court directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to provide written explanations to passengers who are offloaded from international flights.

The court stated that no matter how wide the discretionary powers, administrative actions cannot serve as justification for curtailing a citizen’s liberty.

Passengers with valid documentation cannot be prevented from travelling without a legitimate reason, the court added.

The court emphasised that this is more than just a formality — it is a vital protection of every individual’s right to due process.

While allowing the FIA extra time to comply with the ruling, the court made it clear that from now on, officials must always provide a written record explaining why a passenger is offloaded from a flight.

According to the court, if the state wants to restrict personal freedom, it must clearly demonstrate the relevant legal authority so that the rights of the citizen are not violated.