Dr Asim’s name will be removed from ECL, SC told

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday dismissed a contempt of court petition filed by PPP leader Dr Asim Hussain against the Interior Ministry. The Additional Secretary ECL, Sher Afghan, assured the Supreme Court that Dr Asim Hussain's name will be removed from the Exit Control List (ECL).

During Tuesday's hearing, Dr Asim's counsel Latif Khan Khosa informed the two-member bench headed by Justice Mushir Alam that his client's name was not taken off the ECL despite earlier orders of the apex court. Justice Qazi Faez Isa observed that the petitioner should not flee the country on the pretext of medical treatment. The Supreme Court directed that Dr Asim's name should not be included in the ECL until he completes his medical treatment abroad. The court ordered that further allowances for travel will be made at the discretion of the high courts or the trial court.

During the hearing, the court questioned the interior secretary about non compliance of the court's order. We had ordered the removal of Dr Asim’s name from the ECL, Justice Isa said. Was it removed in line with the court's orders? Do you want the court to interfere in the government's domain? Justice Isa asked the Additional Secretary ECL Sher Afghan.