IHC Orders Removal of Shireen Mazari’s Name from ECL

In a significant development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the removal of former PTI leader and ex-Federal Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL). The decision follows a petition filed by Mazari seeking the removal of her name from the list, with the court citing the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) recommendation and the Prime Minister’s correspondence as key factors.

During the hearing, IHC judge Justice Saman Riffat Imtiaz presided over the case, where Mazari’s petition for the removal of her name from the ECL was being considered. The NAB Prosecutor, Rafi Maqsood, informed the court that the accountability bureau had recommended the removal of Mazari’s name from the ECL in March. This recommendation was made on the grounds that Mazari is not an accused in the £190 million case under investigation.

Further, the Assistant Attorney General highlighted that the Prime Minister had also communicated through a letter dated March 27, supporting the removal of Mazari’s name from the ECL.

In response to these submissions, Justice Saman Riffat Imtiaz emphasized the importance of the court’s role in facilitating such matters, stating that the cabinet has other responsibilities to attend to. The court’s intervention to assist the cabinet in this regard reflects its commitment to upholding due process and ensuring justice.

The decision to remove Mazari’s name from the ECL signifies a significant legal victory for the former minister, affirming her innocence in the case under investigation. It also underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding individuals’ rights and ensuring fair treatment under the law.

The Islamabad High Court’s directive to remove Shireen Mazari’s name from the Exit Control List marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal proceedings. With the NAB’s recommendation and the Prime Minister’s endorsement, the court’s decision reflects a consensus on Mazari’s innocence in the case. As legal proceedings continue, Mazari’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the judiciary’s role in upholding justice and protecting individuals’ rights.

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