Decision to put Nawaz, Maryam on ECL to be taken after their return: minister

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Ali Zafar on Thursday said the decision to place former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz on the Exit Control List (ECL) lies with the caretaker federal cabinet.

Speaking to reporters, Zafar revealed a committee comprising him, Interior Minister Azam Khan and Finance Minister Dr Shamshed Akhtar was deliberating over the issue pertaining to placing the names of three members of the Sharif family on the no-fly list. He was referring to a letter by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) where it recommended adding the names of the Sharif family members, including Captain (r) Muhammad Safdar, on the ECL due to the ongoing investigation in Avenfield properties case.

The interim minister said since Nawaz was currently visiting his ailing wife, Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, in London, it was not appropriate to debate the ECL issue. “The matter will be taken up when he returns.”

Earlier in February, the Interior Ministry had rejected the recommendations of NAB regarding the addition of Sharif and his children’s names on the list. Responding to NAB’s letter, the ministry had asked to provide valid evidence against the Sharif family to include their names on the list.

Speaking on the upcoming general polls, Zafar said security forces will be deployed at sensitive polling stations. He further added that allegations by any political party on a public official for prejudice or bias needs to be given due consideration.

“It is the constitutional obligation of the caretaker government to hold elections on time,” he said as he shot down confusion over the issue of holding free, fair and transparent elections.