LAHORE: PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif petitioned the Lahore High Court (LHC) to remove his name from the Exit Control List (ECL). His counsel informed the court on Friday that the PML-N leader has booked a doctor’s appointment on May 20, and he has to be in the UK before that. Shehbaz has already booked his ticket to Qatar for tomorrow.
Pakistanis travelling to the UK need to stay in Qatar for 10 days because of the travel restrictions, his lawyer said.
The deputy attorney-general remarked that Shehbaz’s lawyer had not presented his return tickets which means that the PML-N president does not plan to return. On this, the court remarked that it is better if Shehbaz appears in person and gives an explanation for that. He has been summoned at 2pm.
Shehbaz’s name was put on the Exit Control List as he is being investigated by the National Accountability Bureau in several corruption cases. The NAB reference accused the PML-N leader of being the beneficiary of assets held in the name of his family members and benamidars who had no sources to acquire such assets.
NAB alleges transfers worth Rs533 million on Shehbaz Sharif through TTs along with several properties registered in the name of Shehbaz’s wife Tehmina Durrani, which are under his control. Thirteen industrial units and benami companies are in his name, the NAB alleges.
A three-member bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) had unanimously granted bail to the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly last month.
After hearing detailed arguments, the bench—headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi—announced the decision with consensus. “The bail is allowed with the consensus of colleague judges,” the justice said.
Shehbaz Sharif was arrested by the NAB on September 28, 2020, after the Lahore High Court rejected his bail plea in the money laundering case.
