The bench, comprising Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan and Justice Mirza Viqas Rauf, heard the petition. Counsel for Shehbaz Sharif argued that National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested his client in connection with Ashiana-e-Iqbal housing scheme and Ramzan Sugar Mills cases but an LHC division bench granted him bail in both cases on February 14.

However, the interior ministry placed his name on the ECL on an application of the Bureau, he added.

He contended that the step was not only unjustified but also a violation of fundamental rights of his client. He submitted that Shehbaz Sharif wanted to go to United Kingdom to visit his ailing grand-daughter and for other reasons.

He pleaded with the court to issue directions for removal of his client's name from the ECL. The court, after hearing initial arguments, issued notices to the federal government and others for March 12 and sought reply.