Law Minister Barrister Dr Farogh Nasim on Friday stated that names of suspects can be included in the Exit Control List (ECL) without court cases.
In interaction with newsmen in Islamabad on Friday, he said the Interior Ministry and NAB have the power to place names of anyone to the no-fly list.
Dr Nasim said, “Interior Ministry or NAB recommend placing names on ECL when they suspect that those individuals will not return to the country.”
“The Interior Ministry and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will present the list of suspects whose names have been placed on ECL before the Supreme Court,” he held.
“After the JIT report has come forward, there should be no compromise for suspects they do, however, have the right to defend themselves.”
Regarding bigwigs placed on ECL, The federal law minister told, “The media is independent and this is such big news that it will be out in the open. Everyone should be respected but the process of accountability should continue.”
To a query, Nasim said, “Khawaja Asif’s name was not under consideration during the cabinet meeting. The government will take measures through which the law and Constitution is implemented.”
Nasim concluded, “If evidence is found against government representatives, then they will also be placed on the ECL.”
Published in Daily Times, December 29th 2018.
