Shahbaz’ name removed from ECL

ISLAMABAD: The Interior Ministry on Thursday removed the name of Opposition Leader Shahbaz Sharif from the Exit Control List (ECL) on the directions of Lahore High Court (LHC).

According to a notification issued by the ministry Shahbaz’ name has been eliminated from the no fly list as directed by the LHC in its order of March 26.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president had been placed on the ECL on February 22 after the recommendation of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and approval of the federal cabinet.

On February 28 PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif had challenged placing his name on the ECL in the LHC. Following the verdict of the high court to end travel restrictions on Shahbaz sources close to the PML-N informed a private news channel that Shahbaz may depart for London soon to see his daughter-in-law and ailing grand daughter who was suffering from cardiac issues.

Shahbaz Sharif is currently facing two corruption references filed by the NAB. In Ramzan Sugar Mills reference he has been accused by the NAB for misusing his authority as Punjab chief minister to benefit factories owned by his sons that cost Rs200 million to the national exchequer. In Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme he is also facing charges of misusing his authority to illegally issue directives for cancellation of contract with regard to the housing project in 2014 causing Rs715 million loss to the exchequer.