The Rawalpindi bench of Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a directive to remove the name of Awami Muslim League (AML) chief and former interior minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, from the Exit Control List (ECL). During the hearing, the court expressed its displeasure with Ministry of Interior officials directing them to submit a written update on the progress made in removing Sheikh Rasheed's name from the ECL. Representatives from the Ministry of Interior, including the Additional Secretary and Section Officer ECL, appeared before the bench, comprised of Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan and Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf. They informed the court that the Interior Secretary was unable to attend due to prior commitments at the Supreme Court. It was revealed in court that Sheikh Rashid's name was placed on the ECL on June 23 last year based on a letter from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

However, the court questioned the basis for including his name, noting that NAB does not consider him an accused in the reference. The Ministry of Interior officials stated that a decision regarding the removal of Sheikh Rashid's name from the ECL would be made after the formation of the new cabinet. Following an adjournment, the Federal Interior Secretary appeared in court, where it was ordered for Sheikh Rasheed's name to be immediately removed from the ECL, allowing him to perform Umrah. The Home Secretary assured the court that the necessary steps were being taken to comply with the order. In response, NAB clarified that Sheikh Rashid is not wanted in any ongoing case.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)