LHC orders removal of Shahbaz’s name from no-fly list

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday ordered the removal of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shahbaz Sharif’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL).

A division bench, headed by Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan, passed the orders on a petition, filed by the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly against placing his name on the no-fly list.

At the outset of the proceedings, Sharif’s counsel Azam Nazir Tarar argued his client’s name was placed on the ECL, though he appeared before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) whenever summoned in connection with the inquiries against him. However, NAB’s prosecutor apprised the court an inquiry was in process against the PML-N president in connection with assets beyond means since October 23, 2018, in response to a court query.

He submitted that suspicious transactions were detected in Sharif’s bank accounts, and said the opposition leader should approach the forum concerned for removal of his name from the ECL. However, the bench observed the prosecutor should present documentary evidence instead of levelling verbal allegations. To which, Sharif’s counsel referred to model Ayyan Ali’s case wherein the court had ordered the removal of her name from the no-fly list. He submitted his client’s name was put on the ECL after a court granted him bail. He mentioned Sharif used to go abroad and return home during investigations. The counsel argued Sharif’s name was placed on the ECL without any valid reason.

The bench, after hearing detailed arguments of the parties, ordered the removal of Sharif’s name from the ECL. The PML-N chief, through his petition, argued his name was placed on the ECL by the interior ministry on a request of the bureau despite the fact he was granted bail by an LHC division bench in Ashiana-e-Iqbal housing scheme and Ramzan Sugar Mills cases.

He contended the step was not only unjustified but also a violation of his fundamental rights. He submitted he wanted to go to the United Kingdom to visit his ailing grand-daughter and for other reasons. He pleaded with the court to issue directions for removal of his name from the ECL.