Parallel travel curbs?

Federal Investigation Agency has imposed a 30-day travel restriction on suspected outlaws

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has imposed a 30-day travel restriction on suspected outlaws and those wanted by the state in connection with a crime. The temporary measure is seen as a clever tactic by officials to avoid the often circuitous and lengthy process that follows inclusion in the Exit Control List (ECL). Now by merely placing a suspect’s name on the Provincial Identification List (PNIL), the FIA can presumably stop them in their tracks — that at least is the understanding. The temporary nature of this no-fly order is a little misleading, because for all intents and purposes the travel restrictions can be extended by a month and then possibly more by implication. So in many respects it seems the authorities have created a parallel ECL with the difference that it works faster and is more effective. Already the Provincial Identification List has been introduced at all the FIA’s immigration desks across the country. The existence of a two-tiered system of exit control would be useful for the authorities provided it does not cause any inconvenience to other travellers.

The potency of a no-fly order either through the ECL or the PNIL or even together can be judged only if it is successful in preventing a wanted individual from fleeing abroad. Standard operating procedures have been laid down for maintaining the PNIL. A senior FIA official will be empowered to share vital information about the PNIL with the agency’s zonal directors and senior police officials who could detain a wanted suspect and take follow-up action if necessary. Under the regulations drawn up, the authorities would be able to detain individuals facing cases registered under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, murder and child rape suspects as well as anybody who has committed other serious offences. However, one hopes the FIA and police don’t allow overzealousness to get the better of them. 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 30^th, 2018.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.