ORDER SHEET

IN THE HIGH COURT OF SINDH, KARACHI

C.P. No.D-2144 of 2013

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DATE                  ORDER WITH SIGNATURE(S) OF JUDGE(S)

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          Present: Ghulam Sarwar Korai, J.

                        Naimatullah Phulpoto, J.

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          For Katcha Peshi

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Date of hearing: 11.09.2013

Mr. Fareed Ahmed A. Dayo, Advocate for the Petitioner

Mr. Noor Muhammad Dayo, Special Prosecutor NAB.

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          Through this constitutional petition, petitioners Abdul Baqi Mahar has prayed for following reliefs:-

 

(a)              To direct the respondents to delete the name of the petitioner from the Exit Control List and issue such clean chit to the petitioner.

 

(b)             To prohibit the respondents jointly and severally from restraining the petitioner in any manner whatsoever from leaving Pakistan to abroad.

 

(c)              To set aside the order passed by the respondents, placing the name of the petitioner on the Exit Control List.

 

(d)             The respondent No.4 may be directed to issue renewed, passport to the petitioner.

 

(e)              To grant any other relief as deemed just and proper in the circumstances of the case.

 

2.       Notices were issued to the respondents as well as D.A.G.

 

3.       Mr. Fareed Ahmed Dayo, learned counsel for the petitioner contended that name of the petitioner has been placed on Exit Control List, though the petitioner has been acquitted by the learned Administrative Judge, Accountability Court Sindh, Karachi in Reference No.16/2008 under section 265-K Cr.PC. He has further argued that respondent No.2 has acted contrary to law.

4.       Mr. Noor Muhammad Dayo, Special Prosecutor, NAB argued that NAB has filed appeal against the acquittal of Abdul Baqi Mahar, which is pending. He has opposed the petition.

5.       Record reflects that petitioner Abdul Baqi Mahar was tried by the learned Administrative Judge, Accountability Court Sindh at Karachi in Reference No.16/2008. Learned Accountability Court acquitted the petitioner/accused by order dated 15.12.2011 under section 265-K Cr.PC. Mr. Dayo stated that name of the petitioner was placed on Exit Control List because of the above Reference. Since petitioner has been acquitted in the Reference, mere filing of appeal is not sufficient to deprive the petitioner from his liberty. No material against the petitioner has been placed before this Court to justify the placing of name of the petitioner on ECL. For want of material against the petitioner, the petition is allowed. Respondents are directed to remove the name of the petitioner from Exist Control List and issue such clearance certificate as per rules. Consequently, Constitutional Petition is accordingly disposed of.

 

     These are reasons for our short order announced on 11.09.2013.

 

                                                                        JUDGE

 

                        JUDGE

Dated:       .09.2013

Gulsher/PA