MUZAFFARGARH, Nov 9: Women rights activist Mukhtar Mai said on Friday her visit to the US scheduled for Dec 3 was uncertain as she had received reports that her name had been placed on the ECL.

Talking to Dawn on telephone, Mukhtar Mai said she had got an email message from California governor of Lions Club Mr Jack Marous that her name had been put on the ECL which might mean end of her plans.

She quoted Jack Marous as saying that Ms Benazir Bhutto said in press conference in Islamabad on Friday that HRCP chairperson Asma Jehnagir was detained while the name of Mukhtar Mai was put on the ECL. She said she was also fearful of her arrest.

If the report turned out true, Mukhtar Mai said, it would not be for the first time that the government had banned her travelling to other countries. She said the government did so two years ago, but had to lift it because of international pressure.

She condemned the arrest of Asma Jehangir and other human rights activists, besides lawyers and political workers. She said she had been invited by the Lions Club of California for attending a function on women rights.

Opinion

Editorial

GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...
Centre vs provinces
Updated 10 Jun, 2026

Centre vs provinces

The reason the centre finds itself in this position is rooted in its failure to expand the tax net and boost revenues.
Party in crisis
10 Jun, 2026

Party in crisis

THE young KP chief minister must be starting to realise just how thorny a seat he occupies. There has been a flurry...
Varsity woes
10 Jun, 2026

Varsity woes

FINANCIAL crises affecting public sector universities across Pakistan are now having an impact on academic...