Removal of Maryam's name from ECL: Government given 7 days to decide matter

A division bench of the Lahore High Court on Monday directed the federal government to decide the matter of removal of the name of PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz from Exit Control List (ECL) within seven days in accordance with law. The bench also issued a notice to the NAB for December 16 on another application by Maryam Nawaz for the return of her passport surrendered with the court while releasing her on bail in Chaudhry Sugar Mills case.

The bench converted the petition of Maryam into a representation, referred it to sub-committee.

The bench disposing of the petition observed, "This court cannot exercise the authority of federal cabinet and added every institution works within its own jurisdiction".

The court observed that it will be appropriate for the petitioner to approach the government first as she could move the court again if feeling aggrieved with the decision.

Earlier the lawyers representing Maryam replied to a query of approaching the court direct said that the government had already disclosed its mind since federal ministers had been saying on television programme that the petitioner will not be permitted to travel abroad.

Therefore, there was no hope that the government will remove the name of the petitioner from the ECL. He cited a number of cases wherein courts allowed petitioners to go abroad.

However, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi referred to a recent decision by the sub-committee about the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif against the order of placing his name on the ECL. The law officer requested the bench to allow a 15-day time for the government to decide the matter.

The bench however, directed the government to decide the representation of Maryam Nawaz within seven days.

Maryam Nawaz had sought removal of her name from the ECL and a one-time permission to travel abroad to look after her ailing father Nawaz Sharif in London.

She pleaded that the impugned memorandum by the interior ministry of placing her on the ECL was in violation of her fundamental rights.

She said her name was put on the ECL on recommendations by the NAB in a mechanical manner and without an application of judicious mind.