IHC orders removal of PTI's Zartaj Gul's name from ECL

Court confirms PTI-backed SIC lawmaker's bail in cases 567 and 340; ordered AAG to remove name and report in a week

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the removal of Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) leader Zartaj Gul's name from the Exit Control List (ECL).

On Wednesday, IHC's Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri heard the petition filed by Gul, the Parliamentary Leader of PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), requesting her name be removed from the ECL.

During the hearing, the assistant attorney general (AAG) and Gul appeared before the court.

The court directed the AAG to remove Guls's name from the ECL within a week and present a report.

"You do not put terrorists' names on the list, yet members of the assembly are brought to court. Should I summon the IG and ask?" Justice Jahangiri remarked.

"A political leader holds a rally, and you add their name to the ECL. No gang or terrorist cases have come before me," Justice Jahangiri said.

He questioned the logic behind adding a political leader's name to the ECL for organising a rally, noting that no cases involving gangs or terrorists have been brought before him.

The court inquired about the cases against MNA Gul who has been appointed as the parliamentary leader of the SIC.

Osama Tariq Advocate, her counsel, stated that replies had been submitted for cases 567 and 340, and both were under urgent miscellaneous applications.

The court confirmed that she was on bail in both cases.

Irked, the judge said, "No cases of kidnapping for ransom or gang rape were presented, only cases involving assembly members with minor charges. All charges are bailable, yet their names are added to the ECL. We are removing the name now, but those who approve these listings will also be summoned in the future."

The court adjourned the hearing, directing the AAG to remove lawmaker Gul's name from the ECL and submit a report within a week.