PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Friday issued notices to the federal government, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other authorities on a petition seeking removal of PTI Senator Azam Swati’s name from the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL). The court directed the respondents to submit replies by September 9.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Waqar Ahmad and Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel heard the case.
During the proceedings, Senator Swati’s counsel informed the court that his client’s name had earlier been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL), which the court had ordered to be removed. He said the court had further directed that Swati’s name be removed from any other list and that he be allowed to travel abroad.
However, despite these directives, Swati was not permitted to leave the country, prompting the filing of a contempt petition.
Justice Waqar Ahmad observed that the contempt petition would be heard alongside the current case, noting that the FIA director general had already been summoned in the contempt proceedings. The bench directed the federal government to file its reply and adjourned the hearing until September 9.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Senator Swati said he would soon comment on the bail of PTI founder, adding that the decision in his case was based on human rights and had upheld the dignity of the superior judiciary. He thanked the PTI founder for nominating him as opposition leader in the Senate and said he hoped to meet him soon.
Swati further remarked that PTI would not accept any reconciliation, adding that disqualifying leaders was not a fair approach. “Whoever is punished, PTI will stand by them,” he said.
He also criticized the treatment of Aleema Khan, sister of the PTI founder, and demanded the immediate release of her son.
