The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has refuted claims of recommending the inclusion of former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed’s name in the Exit Control List (ECL). This denial was made during a hearing at the Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi bench, where the Ministry of Interior (MoI) submitted a report suggesting that Rashid’s name was added to the ECL based on NAB’s recommendation. However, the NAB team and prosecutor clarified that they did not propose Rashid’s inclusion in the ECL nor were they involved in any case related to him. The court, displeased with conflicting reports, has summoned federal interior officials for further clarification.
In response to these developments, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed expressed concerns over his sudden ECL listing, attributing it to a possible act of ‘revenge’ due to his annual Umrah plans during Ramazan. His legal representative highlighted that Rashid was not implicated in the £190 million Al-Qadir University case or any NAB-related matter. The court was informed that despite an indictment in the reference case, Rashid’s name was not among the accused.
The unfolding situation surrounding Sheikh Rashid Ahmed’s ECL listing has sparked controversy and raised questions about transparency and accountability within governmental processes. The conflicting reports from NAB and the Ministry of Interior have cast a shadow over the decision-making procedures regarding ECL placements, prompting judicial intervention to seek clarity on the matter.
As this legal saga unfolds, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed remains at the centre of attention, grappling with unexpected allegations and navigating through legal complexities. The intricacies of his case shed light on broader issues of governance and due process, underscoring the need for thorough investigations and adherence to legal protocols in matters concerning individuals’ rights and freedoms.