Supreme Court on Tuesday sent a federal government to ensure what people on of the Exit Control List (ECL) did not travel abroad without permission from the Ministry of the Interior as it resumed suo motu hearings on “alleged interference” by “persons in authority” in criminal investigation.
Main judge of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial presided over a larger Supreme Court of five judges. bench consisting of Judge Ijazul Ahsan, Judge Munib Akhtar, Judge Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Judge Mohammad Ali Mazhar.
During last hearing on On June 3, the Supreme Court ordered coalition government bring the latest changes in in rules of ECL within the “environment of law” within a week, warning what will it be issue order otherwise.
April 22 at government significant changes to rules control of the exit of citizens from the country in an attempt to end practice of preservation people on flightless list for years and even for over decade.
During today’s hearing, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Chaudhry Aamir Rehman said bench that after the previous court session, a session was held in lawyer generalx office in which all interested parties took part.
“Government committee meeting on OKU rules was also took place yesterday,” he continued, saying that all comments and questions of the highest court was set forward in It.
Here Judge Mazhar inquired about the minutes of the meeting. “They will available within a day or two,” Rehman replied, adding that the cabinet also called a lawyer general.
office of the attorney general he left on formulated the SOP regarding the amendments in ECL rules and circulated them to all interested parties. “All the names struck off in list will be considered again one on one.”
Subsequently, Judge Ahsan asked what would happen to the names that already was removed from list and amendments that already was made.
“New rules will be made after consultation with the National Accountability Bureau and the Federal Investigation Agency,” AAG said.
Meanwhile Judge Bandial was wondering how in people who whether the “beneficiaries” could amend the rules. He ruled that people whose names were on ECL will not be allowed to travel abroad without permission from the Ministry of the Interior.
“Only those leaving for a little government-Related work should allowed, he added.
Responding to the Court’s instructions, Rehman assured the Court that before government completed the legislative process, these orders will be followed.
‘People in power benefited from amendments to the ECP rules’
AT one moment during the hearing, Judge Bandial brought up question of people in power benefit from the amendments made to ECP rules.
He emphasized that rule of the law was important there too should be “no compromise” on routine procedure for people whose cases were pending.
” current situation unique … country currently suffering from the economic crisis,” said the head justice remarked, calling on the executive branch use their strength in in light of Law and Constitution.
“We will not allow any investigative organization, agency or government body to go beyond its limits,” he said.
Main justice further noticed that for in system to persevere, that was important for all on work together. “Legislation from the unilateral parliament should to be in line with law requirements,” he pointed out, emphasizing that this is not the time to look for advantages (out of situation).
He added that he doesn’t want to pass the order that would put government in difficulty.
“Cabinet appears to have abolished ECL”
Meanwhile Judge Ahsan asked why government was in hurry to remove the names from list. “What happened that the office removed names within two days?”
AAG replied that the names of cabinet members were on in list. “AT past there were also names removed from ECL in this is wayhe reasoned.
“Is it the government’s answer… that it happened now because it happened in in pastJudge Naqvi asked.
Subsequently, Judge Bandial noted that the authorities took advantage (of situations) by amending rules. “If someone thinks that it’s not about powerful They should consult the courts. But the cabinet seems to have completely abolished the ECL,” he said. added.
Later, during the proceedings, the head justice Appreciated Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz for appearance in court for pre-arrest pledge in man, adding that he also review court statement.
The hearing was subsequently adjourned until 27 June. The court summoned the protocol of meeting of cabinet session held on Monday.
Suo motu
CJP took note of suo motu’s recommendations of Judge of the Supreme Court on alleged interference in independence of prosecutor’s office in in performance of this is power and responsibilities for investigation and prosecution of pending criminal cases involving persons in authority in government.
According to a press release issued by the Supreme Court, such interference could affect the prosecution. of cases, result in falsification or disappearance of proof in courts or in possession of prosecutors and lead to transfers and publications of officers on key messages.
The press release states that such actions, along with with “media reports” about changes in accountability laws are likely to “undermine” the functioning of countries criminal justice system.
“What [is tantamount] to the breach of fundamental rights affecting society as a whole and destroying [of] in confidence of in people in in rule of law and constitutionalism in country, this added.
The SC press release did not specify which “pending criminal questions” to which he referred. However, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) currently pursuing money laundering case against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz, whose prosecution has been pending since February.
Notification also comes against the backdrop of PTI claims that soon after coming to power coalition government allegedly began to influence various cases and transfer investigators or officers handling cases, especially those involving allegations of corruption.
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