LAHORE – Justice Ch Iftikhar Hussain of the Lahore High Court on Tuesday sought replies from federal and provincial governments on a petition praying to seek an explanation from Federal Law Minister Babar Awan, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, AD&SJ Muhammad
Yousaf Aujla and others as to why they facilitated the release of Raymond Davis on emergency basis ignoring LHC orders that had put his name on the Exit Control List (ECL). The petitioner, Barrister Jaffree, had prayed the court to get statements on oath from all abovementioned state officials whether or not they had any prior knowledge about deal with Raymond and his subsequent release by the trial court.
The petitioner also prayed to the court to allow him making them respondents in the case. The petitioner said the LHC had directed the Interior Ministry to put name of Raymond Davis on the Exit Control List and later the
court was assured by a law officer and the ministry that court orders were followed. Jaffree said that the court’s order was in place when Raymond was released after his name was removed from the ECL. Next hearing on the petition will be held on March 31.
