Shahbaz’s plea against name on ECL: Notices issued to Centre, NAB, FIA

LAHORE: A division bench of the Lahore High Court on Monday issued notices to federal government, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on a petition moved by Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif challenging government’s decision of placing him on Exit Control List (ECL).

Advocate Azam Nazir Tarar appeared on behalf of Shahbaz Sharif and contended that the ban on his international travel was a blatant violation of his basic rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

He stated that the right to international travel besides right to liberty was also an integral part of right to life and right to meaningful, satisfying and purposeful life. Shahbaz Sharif pleaded that the impugned memorandum of February 21, whereby his name was placed on the ECL, was issued in an arbitrary manner as well as the same was issued against the law and facts.

He complained that no notice or opportunity of hearing had been afforded to him before putting him on the ECL. He said the impugned decision was taken without any justifiable material, on reasons best known to the government and also in a non-transparent manner.

The PML-N president stated that the impugned memorandum not only failed to disclose valid and correct reasons for its issuance but was also void for punishing him unheard. He contended that being Leader of Opposition in National Assembly and head of a political party, he required travelling within and outside the country. Therefore, he asked the court to set aside the impugned memorandum of the government and order removal of his name from the ECL. The federal cabinet had approved placing Shahbaz Sharif on the ECL after the high court had granted him bail in two NAB cases against him, including Ashiana Housing Scheme and Ramzan Sugar Mills. A two-judge bench headed by Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan heard the preliminary arguments and sought replies from respondents on March 12.