Convicted Nawaz, Maryam placed on ECL

ISLAMABAD: The names of incarcerated PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz have been placed on the exit control list (ECL) on Tuesday, after the new cabinet decided to put travel ban on the father-daughter duo, ARY News reported.

A day earlier, the newly-appointed Cabinet had decided to put the names of former premier Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz on the ECL and take measures to repatriate his two sons – Hussain and Hassan Nawaz – and former finance minister Ishaq Dar who have been declared fugitives by courts.

Briefing media about decisions taken during the meeting, Information Minister Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry said the cabinet reiterated that the accountability process will begin with cabinet members.

He said no cabinet member will now be able to avail the facility of undergoing treatment abroad at the state’s expense. As announced by PM Khan, the cabinet decided to auction 88 additional vehicles of Prime Minister House, he added.

He said two committees have been constituted to discuss and present a plan as to how government properties of billions of rupees can be put to good use for the welfare of the people.

In line with Khan’s austerity measures, the cabinet decided to cut down on government officials’ foreign visits, the minister said and added the premier doesn’t have any intention to embark on a foreign visit in the coming three months.

He, however, added foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will pay important visits to a few countries.

The government will also approach British authorities for bringing Sharifs’ properties back to Pakistan, Mr Chaudhry said.

Nawaz Sharif was arrested on July 13 along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif when the duo returned to the country from London. The arrest was in compliance with July 6 court order, convicting them in the Avenfield properties reference.