ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Naseem on Friday said that the stance of suspected individuals is not taken into consideration when placing their names on the Exit Control List (ECL) but the accused have the right to approach a court of law in this regard.
Talking to reporters, Naseem said that names of suspects are placed on the no-fly list if there is reason to believe that they will not return to Pakistan once they leave.
He said that the names of 172 people mentioned in a Joint Investigation Team’s (JIT) report in the fake accounts case with their names placed on the ECL will be presented before a court where they can defend themselves.
The minister for law added that the government will ensure that the rule of law is imposed across the country and the process of accountability continues.
In response to a question, Naseem explained that the leaking of the report to the media will not affect case proceedings.
“The media is independent and this is such big news that it will be out in the open,” he said.
“Khawaja Asif’s case was not discussed during the cabinet meeting,” he said in response to a question.
“If evidence is found against government representatives, then they will also be placed on the ECL,” he said.