PML-N deliberates on removing Musharraf from ECL

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called a meeting of the top leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The meeting deliberated on whether to remove Pervez Musharraf’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL) and allowing him permission to travel abroad. According to sources, the PML-N leadership had not made a final decision and another meeting has been summoned in the evening. Sources added that PML-N leaders have reinforced that no laws should be broken to remove Musharraf's name from the ECL. The Interior Ministry is yet to decide on whether it will remove former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf’s name form the Exit Control List (ECL) giving rise to speculation of his fate. The decision is the talk of the town among people from all segments including politicians, media professionals and intellectuals. The special court indicted Musharraf in the high-treason trial yesterday (Monday) and dismissed his petitions seeking permission to travel abroad. In its order the special court stated that Musharraf’s name had been placed by the government on the ECL and only the government could remove it. Thereafter, Pervez Musharraf has submitted his petition seeking delisting of his name from ECL and the interior ministry has sought legal experts’ opinions relating to Musharraf’s request Sources said the experts have advised the government that deleting the name of Musharraf form ECL would be violation of the court order, as his name was put on ECL on the order of the Supreme Court.