The Lahore High Court has issued a significant ruling ordering the removal of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL), underscoring the necessity for valid legal grounds before imposing travel restrictions on any citizen. The court emphasized that such limitations must be supported by concrete evidence and cannot be arbitrarily applied, reaffirming the fundamental right to freedom of movement guaranteed by the constitution.
In its detailed judgment, the court instructed Usman Dar to provide surety bonds amounting to Rs1 million as a condition for lifting the travel ban. Furthermore, the court mandated his active participation in the ongoing legal proceedings at the subordinate court level. This move reflects the judiciary’s balanced approach, allowing Dar to exercise his rights while ensuring accountability and cooperation with the legal process.
The bench cautioned that the relief granted should not be exploited. It made it clear that any misuse of this concession would empower the relevant authorities to reinstate Dar’s name on the ECL, but only after following the proper legal procedures. This provision highlights the court’s intent to maintain judicial oversight and prevent potential abuse of the court’s orders.
By formally approving the petition challenging Dar’s inclusion on the ECL, the Lahore High Court set a precedent by stating that the mere existence of a pending case does not justify restricting a citizen’s right to travel. The court reinforced that freedom of movement is a core constitutional right, and any curtailment of this right must be accompanied by clear and valid justification, rather than arbitrary or politically motivated decisions.
The ruling also addressed the broader issue of governmental authority in placing individuals on the ECL. It clarified that the government’s power in this regard is not absolute and must be exercised transparently, with clear reasons provided to the affected person. The court further stressed the importance of due process, noting that adding a name to the ECL without prior notice or an opportunity for the individual to be heard is unlawful and violates fundamental legal principles.
This judgment comes in the context of a wider crackdown initiated by the federal government on December 6, 2025, when it placed numerous prominent PTI leaders on the Exit Control List. This sweeping action involved the inclusion of 139 PTI figures on the no-fly list, a move that followed the unrest and riots on May 9, which had heightened political tensions across the country.
The list of those restricted from traveling included high-profile personalities such as PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan, Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, former opposition leader Umar Ayub, Fawad Chaudhry, and Shibli Faraz, the former leader of the opposition in the Senate. Other notable names were former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Shehryar Afridi, and Usman Dar himself. The restrictions also extended to several women leaders of the party, including Shireen Mazari, Zartaj Gul, Musarat Cheema, and Kanwal Shauzab.
In addition to PTI members, the no-fly list encompassed allied political figures such as Awami Muslim League (AML) Chief Sheikh Rasheed and his nephew Rashid Shafiq, along with Tahir Sadiq. Former Punjab provincial law minister Raja Basharat and Wasiq Qayoum were also among those barred from international travel. The Punjab Home Ministry played a key role in recommending these names, which were subsequently forwarded to the federal government for approval by the ECL committee.
This recent Lahore High Court decision thus marks a critical juncture in the ongoing political and legal tussles surrounding the use of the Exit Control List. It highlights the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional rights and ensuring that executive actions are subject to legal scrutiny and fairness. The ruling sends a clear message that travel restrictions must be justified, transparent, and accompanied by due process, reinforcing the principles of justice and rule of law in Pakistan’s democratic framework.
