Hamza allowed to travel abroad for 10 days

Published January 17, 2019
Hamza Shahbaz accuses the PTI government of placing the names of only political opponents on ECL.—Online
Hamza Shahbaz accuses the PTI government of placing the names of only political opponents on ECL.—Online

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday allowed Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Hamza Shahbaz to travel abroad for 10 days and sought a reply from the federal government to his petition challenging the placement of his name on the Exit Control List/Black List.

At the outset of the hearing, Advocate Azam Nazir Tarar, the counsel for Mr Hamza, contended that the interior ministry had placed the name of his client on the black list in an arbitrary manner and in sheer violation of fundamental rights. He said the petitioner wanted to see his ailing wife in the United Kingdom but was unable to travel abroad.

The interior ministry had placed Mr Hamza on the no-fly list on the advice of the National Accountability Bure­au which had been holding multiple inquiries against him.

Judge says court has faith in politicians and they should not be maligned

Representing the federal government, Additional Attorney General Chaudhry Ishtiaq A. Khan objected to the maintainability of the petition, saying the petitioner did not approach the relevant forum before moving the court. He said there was a possibility that the petitioner would not return to the country if allowed to travel abroad. He pointed out that former finance minster Ishaq Dar had flown abroad in a special plane of the former prime minister, never to come back.

In a reference to former military ruler retired Gen Per­vez Musharraf, Justice Far­rukh Irfan Khan observed that there were many other people sitting abroad. “You should name them too,” the judge asked the law officer.

Justice Khan observed that the court had faith in politicians and they should not be maligned. “Those in government today could be in opposition tomorrow, but courts always make decisions impartially,” he said.

Criticising NAB, Justice Khan said the Supreme Court was also not happy with the working of the anti-corruption watchdog.

The judge remarked that Pakistan was a country where all the rich and poor approached courts for redressal of their grievances.

“No citizen can be deprived of his right to free movement. Many Pakistanis go abroad and do not return,” the judge reminded the federal law officer.

Advocate Tarar said Hamza Shahbaz had not left the country even during the dictatorial regime of Gen Musharraf, adding that his client wanted to inquire after the health of his ailing wife in the UK for which he should be allowed travelling.

The additional attorney general asked the court to seek surety bonds from the petitioner if he was allowed to go abroad.

But Justice Khan turned down this request and allowed Mr Hamza to travel abroad for 10 days. The judge also directed the law officer to submit the government’s comments on the petition within two weeks.

Mr Hamza along with his father Shahbaz Sharif and brother Salman Shahbaz is facing multiple inquiries by NAB, including Ramzan Sugar Mills road construction and holding assets beyond means.

In a post-hearing statement, Mr Hamza lamented that he was informed about being put on the black list at the airport. He said he had appeared before NAB whenever summoned, adding that the PTI government was busy in placing the names of only political opponents on the ECL

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2019

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...