SC denies giving orders to place Zardari, sister Talpur's names on ECL

Supreme Court (SC) denied on Thursday giving the order to place former President Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur's name on Exit Control List.

Resuming the hearing pertaining to a money laundering through fake accounts case, the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar questioned the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team why Zardari and Talpur have been put on ECL when no such orders were issued by the top court.

Justice Nisar has also barred the FIA from summoning Zardari and his sister for questioning until July 25. The court then adjourned the hearing till August 6.

Security was tight at the SC as the former president was expected to appear before the court today. Later, however, he did not make an appearance at the court.

On Wednesday, the FIA had summoned Zardari and his sister to record their statements pertaining to the case. However, they did not appear and were presented by two junior lawyers.  The brother sister duo said that they would appear after the general elections.

On the other hand, Zardari, in an interview on Wednesday, denied his involvement in the money laundering case. He also revealed that he was sent a notice of Rs150 million rather than Rs35 billion, which has been circulating. Zardari added that he is ready to face the case just like he has faced many before.