RAWALPINDI: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday removal of the name of Awami Muslim League (AML) chief and former interior minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, from the Exit Control List (ECL).
A division bench of the LHC Rawalpindi bench, comprising Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan and Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf heard the petition of Sheikh Rashid. During the hearing, the court expressed displeasure over the Ministry of Interior officials, seeking an update in writing on the progress made in removal of the name of Sheikh Rashid from the ECL.
Representatives from the Ministry of Interior, including the Additional Secretary and Section Officer ECL, appeared before the bench. They informed the court that the Interior Secretary was unable to attend the hearing due to prior commitments at the Supreme Court.
They informed the court that the AML chief’s name was placed on the ECL on June 23, 2023, following a letter from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). However, the court questioned the basis for including his name, noting that NAB does not consider him an accused in the reference.
The Ministry of Interior officials stated that a decision regarding the removal of Sheikh Rashid’s name from the ECL would be made after the formation of the new cabinet.
Meanwhile, the court adjourned the hearing for a short and after resumption, the Federal Interior Secretary turned up in the court. The bench ordered the secretary to remove Sh Rashid’s name immediately from the ECL and allow him to perform Umrah. The Interior Secretary assured the court that the necessary steps were being taken to comply with the order.
In response, NAB clarified that Sheikh Rashid is not wanted in any ongoing case.
