Interior Ministry rejects NAB’s appeal to put Nawaz’s name on ECL

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ISLAMABAD: The Interior Ministry on Tuesday rejected National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) appeal to put the names of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his children on the Exit Control List (ECL).

Responding to NAB’s letter, it asked for valid evidence against the Sharif family in order to put their names on the list.

Meanwhile, NAB Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal chaired a session in which development in the references against Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (r) Safdar was discussed. The participants also shed light on the issue of putting their names on the ECL.

Earlier, a press release was issued by the ministry, stating that NAB’s request could not be entertained until court orders for it.

State Minister for Interior Affairs Talal Chaudhry said that according to the Constitution of Pakistan no one could be barred from leaving the country without a reason. Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif had been attending all the court hearings and had there been an issue, the court would have directed for such action, he added.

Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday said that the ECL should not be used as a political instrument. He said the whole world had expressed shock over the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif in Panama Papers case.

Earlier on February 14, NAB asked the Interior Ministry to place the names of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and Captain (r) Safdar on the ECL. Interior Ministry sent the NAB’s request to a committee headed by the interior additional secretary.