Govt awaits detailed LHC verdict on Maryam’s plea

SAPM says Cases of misdeeds of 40 years cannot be decided within few months

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Monday said that the government had not yet made any decision about removing the name of Maryam Nawaz from the Exit Control List (ECL).

Talking to reporters after the launching ceremony of Pakistan Information Commission website www.rti.gov.pk here, she said that the bail granted to former president Asif Zardari on medical grounds was not his exoneration from the charges.

“Asif Zardari has been given bail and he is not declared innocent by the court,” she said, while responding to a question. “Cases of misdeeds of 35 to 40 years cannot be decided within few months,” she added.

When asked about the return of Nawaz Sharif after completion of four weeks, she said copies of his medical tests in London had not been provided to the government. “Any comment on this issue can only be made after knowing about doctors recommendations,” she added.

About removal of PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz’s name from the ECL, she said the decision could not be made yet, as the government still awaits the detailed verdict of the Lahore High Court (LHC).

She said in the past, the rulers and the opposition colluded to weaken institutions but now for the first time status quo was being challenged and despite hurdles and challenges, the government was determined that the accountability process would reach its logical conclusion.

Earlier, addressing the launching, Firdous said that the government had fulfilled another promise by launching the Pakistan Information Commission’s website. She said the commission would ensure good governance as per vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

About the fifth anniversary of tragedy of Army Public School (APS) Peshawar, the special assistant said this was the day of renewal of the pledge that the nation would completely root out the menace of terrorism.