NAB opposes removal of Sharifs from ECL

Sources say removal may create hurdles in cases pending in the accountability court

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has opposed the removal of Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, and Captain (retd) Safdar from Exit Control List (ECL).

The bureau said the removal of their names from ECL would be against the law since there are cases against them in the accountability court. It further argued that there is also an application in the Supreme Court against the cancellation of their conviction.

Government sources told Express that NAB had informed the interior ministry about their stance on the issue. Nawaz, Maryam, and Captain (retd) Safdar had filed an application in the interior ministry for removal of their names from ECL. In response to this, the ministry had approached NAB for its opinion since the bureau is a party in many cases against them.

According to sources, NAB in its response informed the interior ministry that the removal of their names from ECL may create hurdles in cases against them in the accountability court because they can extend their stay abroad.

The three are on bail from Islamabad High Court in the Avenfield case. The IHC had suspended their conviction till the final decision. However, there is an appeal filed in the Supreme Court against the deferment of their conviction.