HRCP concerned at misuse of ECL
Saturday, 19 Dec, 2009
Asma Jehangir has expressed concern at the restrictions placed on certain people to travel abroad by putting them on the ECL.—Photo by APP Coalition partners meet at Presidency
LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed concern at the restrictions placed on certain people to travel abroad by putting them on the exit control list (ECL).
HRCP Chairperson Asma Jehangir said, in a statement on Friday, the commission was perturbed that the authorities had invoked the Exit Control List Ordinance which had never been accepted as a just measure.
The HRCP thinks the practice of restraining people from traveling abroad without issuing them prior notice and adequately explaining the reasons why the extreme measure was required which was a breach of the fundamental right of freedom of movement, as duly provided for in the Constitution.
She said the HRCP believed that even those facing trial in the court could not necessarily be barred from travelling to other countries and to prevent their escape the court might seek lawful assurance. The ECL had been used as a tool of political harassment in the past and has not served any purpose of bringing perpetrators of crime to justice. Any arbitrary use of the ECL under the cover of a judicial ruling would be no small a calamity. While legal course should be taken against those who plundered national wealth, the authorities should not commit excesses in their misplaced zeal for what they perceive as justice.
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