PMLN President Shahbaz Sharif lands in hot waters
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The federal government on the recommendation of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had placed the name of PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif on the exit control list on Monday.
According to the interior ministry notification, this decision has been reached under section 2 of the Exit from Pakistan (Control) Ordinance, 1981 on grounds that NAB reference had been finalised against the former chief minister and the trial is in progress. So, the exit of Shehbaz Sharif from Pakistan would delay proceedings in the trial. “The case against Shehbaz Sharif involves a colossal sum of Rs7 billion. Therefore, like his brother, if Shehbaz Sharif absconds, his extradition from the UK will not be possible,” the notification reads.
The interior ministry stated that the family members and co-accused of Shehbaz Sharif in NAB reference are also absconding and residing in the UK.
“The accused might temper with the evidence or dispose of his assets in the UK,” they alleged and feared. According to the interior ministry, in the past Shehbaz Sharif has breached his undertaking to the Lahore High Court (LHC) that he would bring his brother and former premier back to the country. “No dispensation to appear has been sought from the trial court nor a pleader has been appointed to the purpose of trial,” the interior ministry notification reads. As per the interior ministry, all other accused persons are on the ECL, hence the dictates of Article 25 of the Constitution, supports Shehbaz Sharif’s name to be placed on the ECL by way of equal treatment.
“No data is available from which it could be assessed that Shehbaz Sharif required medical treatment which is not available in Pakistan,” they stated.
