LHC questions placement of Dar's name on ECL

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court on Wednesday questioned how Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar's name was placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) without lawful justification and sought clarity on which forum has the authority to order its removal.

Justice Sajid Mahmood Sethi also requested proper legal assistance to examine the matter thoroughly.

The hearing on Dar's petition seeking removal of his name from the ECL was adjourned until January 26.

Dar's counsel argued that his client had already been granted bail, making the inclusion of his name on the travel ban list unjustified.

However, the court observed that under the Anti-Terrorism Act, matters concerning the removal of a name from the ECL fall within the jurisdiction of the trial court.

Justice Sethi asked both parties to assist the court with detailed arguments on the next hearing date and summoned lawyers to present final submissions.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior submitted its reply, stating that a case had been registered against Usman Dar in connection with the May 9 attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ). The government's counsel added that Dar's name was placed on the ECL at the request of the Rawalpindi Police. In his petition, Dar pleaded that the decision to include his name on the ECL be declared unlawful and set aside.