Ministry put on notice in travel ban case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has summoned a representative of the Ministry of Interior to appear in person regarding the petition to remove former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry’s name from the travel ban list.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, while hearing the petition, has called for the Ministry of Interior’s representative on July 9. During the hearing, the chief justice questioned Fawad Chaudhry’s lawyer about whether Chaudhry’s name is on the Exit Control List (ECL) or the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL). He remarked that the case, initially simple, has been complicated by challenging the PNIL law, necessitating a notice to the Attorney General.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq observed that he has been allowing people to travel abroad, noting that it is summer and many are travelling. He criticised the government for placing names on travel ban lists indiscriminately.

Addressing the Deputy Attorney General, the chief justice expressed confusion over the numerous lists and questioned the necessity of Fawad Chaudhry’s inclusion, stating that Chaudhry would only be gone for three to four weeks and would return. The court adjourned the hearing until July 9.