ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the removal of eight family members, including a 13-year-old boy, from the Exit Control List (ECL) in the case related to the recovery of Faizan Usman. The court also sought a report from the interior secretary.

The hearing regarding Faizan Usman’s recovery took place in the court of Justice Babar Sattar. Interior Secretary Khurram Ali Agha appeared before the court as per the IHC’s orders.

During the proceedings, Justice Babar Sattar questioned the interior secretary, stating that no working papers or documents justifying the inclusion of names in the ECL were presented to the court. The court directed the interior secretary to submit an affidavit and provide details regarding the basis for adding the names to the ECL. The secretary was also instructed to present the report of the cabinet sub-committee and the working papers within one week. The interior secretary informed the court that the details had been forwarded by the chairman of the sub-committee.

Justice Sattar remarked, “There is a procedure for everything. What was the reason for including these names in the list? Faizan is an 18-year-old boy. What did he do that led to a raid on his house? After his recovery, was it discovered who the culprits were behind his abduction were?”

Advocate Iman Mazari pointed out that a 13-year-old child from the family was also included on the ECL. The court questioned the interior secretary, “Mr. Secretary, a 13-year-old child’s name has also been included. What is going on?” The interior secretary apologised, stating, “I regret this; I will look into the matter.” Justice Sattar responded, “This is not about apologies. If someone sends the name of a 13-year-old child, will you include it in the ECL? There will be consequences. Submit your affidavit. Are you going to include someone’s mother or 13-year-old child in the ECL?”

Justice Sattar further questioned the additional attorney general, “Mr additional attorney general, should we include your name on the ECL as well?” The AAG stated that Faizan’s brother-in-law, Sheraz, had cases registered against him. The court asked, “Is he a co-accused? There must be some working papers, right? What are the charges against him that led to his name being included? Mr Secretary, didn’t you ask what is happening here?”

The AAG explained that a summary was forwarded based on the agency’s report, and formal approval was granted. Justice Sattar asked to see the summary and its contents. The AAG replied that the ministry had received information, based on which the summary was forwarded.

The IHC noted that the names of nine family members of Dr Usman were included in the ECL based on a secret agency’s recommendation. Justice Sattar remarked that the names of the mother and minor children were included in the ECL.

The interior secretary stated that the cabinet sub-committee had approved the inclusion of nine names on the ECL. The court responded, “Faizan Usman was missing, he is 18 years old, and then he was recovered. There was a case in court. You did not find the culprits behind the abduction but did this instead.”

The AAG informed the court that the names of nine individuals were added to the ECL based on the agency’s report, and seven names have since been removed, leaving only two.

Justice Babar Sattar remarked, “Mr. Secretary, what did a 13-year-old child do? His name was also included. If someone sends the name of a 6-month-old baby, will you forward it to the sub-committee? Is this how you are running the state? Didn’t you ask them what they are doing?”

The court suspended the order to include Faizan Usman’s family members on the ECL after his recovery and ordered the removal of eight family members’ names from the ECL. The court allowed only the name of Faizan’s married sister, Saleha, to remain on the list.