Remove Usman Dar's name from ECL: court

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the removal of Usman Dar's name from the Exit Control List (ECL), ruling that its inclusion was unlawful and violated his constitutional rights.

Justice Sajid Mahmood Sethi issued a detailed nine-page judgment, stating that Dar's name had been placed on the ECL without valid reasons or prior notice, contravening the fundamental right to freedom of movement guaranteed under the Constitution.

The court observed that restricting a citizen from traveling abroad requires a transparent and lawful procedure. It ruled that adding an individual to the ECL without justification or opportunity for hearing is illegal.

While directing authorities to immediately remove Dar's name from the list, the court imposed conditions to ensure judicial compliance. The petitioner must appear before the trial court and submit surety bonds worth Rs1 million.

The judgment also clarified that if Dar attempts to misuses bail, or avoids the legal process, authorities may reinsert his name on the ECL in accordance with the law.