SC disposes of Dr Asim's contempt of court petition against secretary interior

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday disposed of a contempt of court petition filed by Pakistan Peoples Party leader Dr Asim Hussain against the interior secretary for not removing his name from the Exit Control List (ECL) as per the apex court's directive.

The SC bench comprising Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Qazi Faez Isa heard Dr Asim's petition. The interior secretary appeared before the bench and assured that the notification issued by the interior ministry allowing Dr Asim to travel for one month would be amended in line with the court's orders.

The amended notification would have orders for the removal of the PPP leader's name from the ECL, he added.

The court directed that the removal of Dr Asim's name from the ECL should remain valid till completion his medical treatment abroad, and further allowances for travel be made as per the discretion of the high court or the trial court.

During the hearing, the court also questioned the interior secretary regarding non-compliance with the court's order. Justice Qazi Faez Isa remarked that the court had ordered the removal of Dr Asim's name from the ECL.

It may be added that the apex court on November 16 had ordered the government to remove Dr Asim's name from the ECL for medical treatment abroad. Since his name was not removed from the ECL, Dr Asim filed the contempt of court petition on November 22.