Law minister chairs meeting to decide removal of Nawaz’s name from ECL

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – A meeting of the federal cabinet’s sub-committee presided over by Law Minister Farogh Naseem is underway to decide the removal of Nawaz Sharif’s name from the exit control list (ECL). Farogh Naseem is heading the meeting while Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar is also in attendance. Speaking to the journalists, the law minister said, “Our decision is not bound to Nawaz Sharif’s wish.” He also said that the consultations held for removing the name of former premier from ECL. Farogh Naseem said once decision is taken, media and the people would be briefed. A press conference is expected to follow at 4pm. According to the sources, the Sharif family is convincing the PML-N quaid to go for treatment abroad. The refusal by Nawaz Sharif was conveyed by his lawyers during the third meeting of the sub-committee of the federal cabinet. Nawaz Sharif has refused to go abroad on the conditions put by the government. A long meeting of one hour and 30 minutes between PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif could not yield the results. It is pertinent to mention here that the he federal cabinet conditionally approved the removal of Nawaz Sharif’s name from the ECL. As per the condition, Nawaz Sharif will have to deposit surety bonds before leaving the country. He will be allowed to leave the country after providing the guarantee. As result, Nawaz Sharif’s departure for London could not be confirmed. Sources said that directions have not been issued to the air ambulance to reach Pakistan. On the other hand, the PML-N will overview to approach the court regarding matter of deposit of surety bonds. Earlier, a meeting of the sub-committee of the federal cabinet was held to decide on the removal of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s name from the ECL. Federal Law Minister Farogh Naseem is presided over the meeting. A personal physician of the former prime minister as well as PML-N’s Deputy Secretary Attaullah Tarrar, Special Assistant to PM on Accountability Shahzad Akbar also attended the meeting. The secretary health and the head of medical board are briefing the sub-committee on the health of Nawaz Sharif. The recommendations of the sub-committee will be presented at the federal cabinet meeting today. The sub-committee has also summoned the NAB officials to the meeting.