Zulfi Bukhari approaches IHC, seeks to remove name from blacklist

ISLAMABAD: Zulfiqar Bukhari, a close aide of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan, on Thursday approached the Islamabad High Court over his name being placed on blacklist.

Bukhari fled a petition seeking to remove his name from the blacklist. The court accepted the plea for hearing and issued notices seeking replies from the Ministry of Interior and Director-General Passports and Immigration.

Bukhari returned to Pakistan on Wednesday evening after performing umrah. Imran Khan and his wife also returned to the country. However, both have faced increasing criticism after Bukhari was reportedly allowed to depart for Saudi Arabia despite his name being placed on a blacklist.

Just hours after he was stopped from travelling abroad, the Ministry of Interior sprung into action and decided to grant one time permission to Zulfi Bukhari to perform Umrah.

Bukhari faces several inquires before the National Accountability Bureau for owning offshore companies and having assets beyond his known sources of income, but has dodged several summons and has never appeared before them.

It was reported that PTI chairman made several calls after which the Bukhari was allowed to go abroad. However, the party has distanced itself saying that Bukhari is not a member of the party, and was himself responsible for receiving the temporary reprieve from relevant authorities.

Caretaker Prime Minister Justice retd Nasirul Mulk has sought a report from the Ministry of Interior on how Bukhari managed to travel despite being on the no-fly list in violation of travel restrictions.