Government, NAB hesitant to take Nawaz's name off ECL: sources

ISLAMABAD: The federal government and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) are both hesitant to take off Nawaz Sharif's name from the Exit Control List (ECL), sources told Geo News, on Saturday. 

According to sources, instead of taking Nawaz's name off the ECL, NAB has sent a written reply to the interior ministry. The government and NAB, sources claim, are not willing to take the responsibility of taking Nawaz's name off the ECL. 

While NAB has opted for delaying tactics, the government is also refraining from using its authority to take Nawaz's name off the list. In the past, the interior ministry has taken off several names from the no-fly list without taking NAB into confidence. 

Sources also told Geo News that NAB has asked for Nawaz's medical reports from the government board and Sharif Medical City. 

The medical board formed by the government had suggested allowing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to seek medical treatment abroad. 

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif had filed a request on Friday, urging the government to take Nawaz's name off the ECL. 

READ MORE: Government allows Nawaz Sharif to go abroad

In a media talk, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Naeem ul Haque said that the government had seen Nawaz's reports. He said that the former prime minister was ill and the decision has been taken in light of it.

"It is the right of every Pakistani to have themselves treated as they see fit," he said. "The government has no reservations over Nawaz seeking treatment abroad."

Naeem said that it was up to the courts to decide how much time will be given to Nawaz to seek medical treatment.

"The court will decide as to how many times Nawaz can go abroad," he said. "It is also up to the court to decide on how long Nawaz can stay abroad for medical treatment."