Govt directed to review removing Maryam’s name from ECL in 7 days

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the government to review removing the name of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz from the Exit Control List (ECL) within the next seven days. 

A two-member bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) headed by Justice Ali Baqir Najfi heard the plea filed by Maryam Nawaz.

In her petition for bail, Maryam had stated that she wished to go abroad for six weeks, expressing concern over the worsening health of her father, who is currently in London for medical treatment.  

The counsel of Maryam Nawaz, Amjad Pervez in his arguments said the name of her client was placed on the ECL, without listening to her point of view.

Read more: LHC to hear Maryam’s petition for removal of name from ECL

The counsel of Maryam, Amjad Pervez pleaded the court to pass orders of striking down Maryam’s name from the ECL, so she could fly to London to look after her ailing father.

Pervez alleged that a rival party of the PML-N was ruling the country, it would not allow Maryam to fly to London as the federal ministers were too openly saying that they would not allow her.

The court after hearing arguments from Maryam’s counsel send the matter to the government’s review committee and asked it to decide on the matter within seven days.

The court in its short verdict also said that the applicant can move the LHC, after the decision of the review committee.

Also read: NAB files plea against LHC’s decision over Maryam’s bail

Maryam Nawaz was placed on the ECL in August 2018. Before obtaining bail last month, Maryam had been in custody following an investigation into the Chaudhry Sugar Mills corruption scandal. On 8th August, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested Maryam. 

In September, Maryam was remanded into judicial custody. On 4th November, the LHC granted her bail. Last week, NAB had last week filed a petition in the SC challenging the LHC decision. Arguing the case for removal of Maryam from ECL, the counsel for Maryam appeared in court today.