Supreme Court CNIC Block Ruling: Identity Card Suspension Declared Illegal
The CNIC block ruling by the Supreme Court has reinforced constitutional protections across Pakistan. The court declared that suspending a citizen’s national identity card to enforce a court decree is illegal. As a result, it overturned the Sindh High Court’s decision and restored the petitioner’s rights.
Justice Muneeb Akhtar authored a three-page judgment. He stated that a Computerised National Identity Card is not a luxury. Instead, every citizen needs it to live a normal life. Without it, people cannot access banking, travel, or public services. Therefore, blocking a CNIC directly affects the right to life and dignity.
Court Rejects Identity Card Suspension
The dispute began in 2016 after a trial court issued a decree in a property case. The court directed the petitioner to deposit a specific amount. However, when he failed to pay, the trial court ordered authorities to block his CNIC.
Later, the Sindh High Court upheld that order. The petitioner then approached the Supreme Court. Consequently, the apex court reviewed whether the law allowed such action.
Justice Akhtar questioned the logic behind the suspension. He asked whether courts would next order the disconnection of electricity or water to recover money. In doing so, he highlighted the serious consequences of such measures.
No Authority Under Civil Procedure Law
The Supreme Court carefully examined Section 51 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The judges found no provision that allows courts to block a national identity card. Therefore, they ruled that courts cannot take such steps without clear legal authority.
In addition, the bench noted that an amendment introduced by the Peshawar High Court does not apply in Sindh. Each province follows its own legal framework. As a result, the Supreme Court set aside both earlier orders.
This judgment strengthens legal safeguards. It also assures citizens that courts must respect fundamental rights while enforcing financial decrees.
