The Sindh High Court has deferred its decision concerning the petitions related to the prevention of social activist and lawyer Gibran Nasir Advocate and his wife, actress Mansha Pasha, from boarding their flight at the airport.
Reportedly, a two-judge panel led by Justice Nimatullah Phalphoto presided over the hearings on the petitions associated with the barring of the prominent lawyer and his spouse from departing at the airport.
An intriguing revelation surfaced during the court proceedings, indicating that the lawyer representing the petitioners is under the observation of a sensitive institution. A letter from this sensitive institution was submitted to the Sindh High Court. Advocate Faisal Siddiqui revealed that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had cited the sensitive organization in its response. The inclusion of the name on the watch list was advised by the sensitive institution.
“The Director-General of the organization instructed us to add the name,” stated FIA officials. Mansha Pasha appointed Faisal Siddiqui as her legal representative.
Justice Mrs. Kausar Sultana Hussain inquired about the legal standing of the watch list. Faisal Siddiqui clarified that the second entry on the watch list had been modified to the Exit Control List (ECL).
The court questioned the rationale behind placing the petitioners’ names on the watch list. Government officials responded, saying, “We merely received an order to add the name to the watch list.”
Following the presentation of arguments, the court decided to withhold its judgment on both petitions.
The filed petitions contended that while the petitioner’s disagreement was with the lawyer, the inclusion of his wife’s name was puzzling. They intended to spend the Eid holidays with their family on June 27, 2023. However, upon reaching the immigration desk, they were denied exit and received an exit stamp.
Officer Khan, who was on duty, conveyed the directive that they were not allowed to depart. Their belongings were also removed from the flight. Between June 1 and June 10, around 15 individuals were reportedly abducted by unidentified individuals.
A kidnapping case was registered at Clifton police station, subsequently elevated to an A-class case. Preventing individuals from leaving the country ought to be deemed illegal. An investigation should be initiated against the FIA officials.
It’s worth noting that social activist and lawyer Gibran Nasir Advocate, along with his wife Mansha Pasha, approached the Sindh High Court seeking permission to travel abroad.
