In a significant setback for former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the name of Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, has been added to the country's 'Exit Control List' (ECL) — a list of people&nbsp;prohibited from leaving Pakistan.&nbsp;

As per ARY News, this step was taken by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) under its investigation of a $232 million (or £190 million) scandal.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bushra-bibi-former-pakistan-pm-imran-khans-wife-may-face-arrest-report-657920">Bushra bibi, former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's wife, may face arrest: Report</a>

This comes&nbsp;as&nbsp;the Islamabad Accountability Court on Monday issued arrest warrants for&nbsp;Imran Khan in the Toshakhana and the Al-Qadir Trust cases.

<h2>NAB's investigation and Bushra Bibi's potential arrest</h2>

The NAB, as per a CNN-News18 report citing sources, reportedly possesses crucial evidence against Bibi, and if proven, it could lead to her arrest.&nbsp;

Earlier, the publication reported that there was a likelihood of her arrest based on emerging evidence that may elevate her status from a witness to an accused party in the case.&nbsp;

The investigation is expected to conclude soon, and the NAB is anticipated to file a reference charge sheet in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-orders-to-unseize-properties-and-assets-seized-from-nawaz-sharif-in-2020-657484">Nawaz Sharif: Pakistan court orders release of properties, assets seized from ex-PM in 2020</a>

As per ARY News, Bushra Bibi appeared before NAB investigators, where she was handed a questionnaire seeking her response to 11 queries.

Her advocate Naeem Haider Panjutha told the media that the former Pakistani first lady had already secured bail till November 15 in the case. He also disclosed that they were expecting her arrest today.&nbsp;

"Imran Khan and his family are always ready to face the law. Bushra Bibi was a trustee in the Al-Qadir Trust University and the former premier did not get any benefit from the property owned by a trust. There is no account of Bushra Bibi, and she did not hold any public office during the PTI government," said Panjutha.&nbsp;

<h2>Al-Qadir trust corruption case: Background</h2>

The Al-Qadir Trust corruption case revolves around allegations that Imran Khan and Bibi received substantial financial gains and land from a real estate firm for a settlement between the PTI administration and a real estate mogul. A whopping £190 million (or $232 million)&nbsp;was repatriated by the UK national exchequer during PTI's previous government.&nbsp;

The prosecution alleges that the funds from these activities were transferred to Bibi's extended family, with allegations of substantial amounts being stashed in multiple accounts across Pakistan and Middle East banks.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a significant setback for former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the name of Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, has been added to the country's 'Exit Control List' (ECL) — a list of people prohibited from leaving Pakistan.

In a significant setback for former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the name of Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, has been added to the country's 'Exit Control List' (ECL) — a list of people prohibited from leaving Pakistan. As per ARY News, this step was taken by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) under its investigation of a $232 million (or £190 million) scandal. Also read | Bushra bibi, former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's wife, may face arrest: Report This comes as the Islamabad Accountability Court on Monday issued arrest warrants for Imran Khan in the Toshakhana and the Al-Qadir Trust cases. NAB's investigation and Bushra Bibi's potential arrest The NAB, as per a CNN-News18 report citing sources, reportedly possesses crucial evidence against Bibi, and if proven, it could lead to her arrest. Earlier, the publication reported that there was a likelihood of her arrest based on emerging evidence that may elevate her status from a witness to an accused party in the case. The investigation is expected to conclude soon, and the NAB is anticipated to file a reference charge sheet in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. Also read | Nawaz Sharif: Pakistan court orders release of properties, assets seized from ex-PM in 2020 As per ARY News, Bushra Bibi appeared before NAB investigators, where she was handed a questionnaire seeking her response to 11 queries. Her advocate Naeem Haider Panjutha told the media that the former Pakistani first lady had already secured bail till November 15 in the case. He also disclosed that they were expecting her arrest today. "Imran Khan and his family are always ready to face the law. Bushra Bibi was a trustee in the Al-Qadir Trust University and the former premier did not get any benefit from the property owned by a trust. There is no account of Bushra Bibi, and she did not hold any public office during the PTI government," said Panjutha. Al-Qadir trust corruption case: Background The Al-Qadir Trust corruption case revolves around allegations that Imran Khan and Bibi received substantial financial gains and land from a real estate firm for a settlement between the PTI administration and a real estate mogul. A whopping £190 million (or $232 million) was repatriated by the UK national exchequer during PTI's previous government. The prosecution alleges that the funds from these activities were transferred to Bibi's extended family, with allegations of substantial amounts being stashed in multiple accounts across Pakistan and Middle East banks. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi added to 'exit control list' amidst growing legal woes

According to sources in Pakistan's ministry of interior, the names of at least 150 people have been removed from Pakistan's Exit Control List(ECL).

The prominent personalities who have been struck off the Exit Control List include PM Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan's interior minister Rana Sanaullah, ex-PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Railway minister Khawaja Saad Rafique.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bilawal-meets-nawaz-sharif-in-london-discuss-pakistans-political-situation-472919">Also Read:&nbsp;Bilawal meets Nawaz Sharif in London, discuss Pakistan's 'political situation'</a>

The country's defence minister Khawaja Asif has also reportedly been taken off the exit list. Former President Asif Ali Zardari's name has also been struck off the list, sources say.

Ex- prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz has also reportedly been taken off the no-fly list. The names were reportedly put on the list after recommendations from &nbsp;NAB and FIA.&nbsp;

However, reports claim the names recommended by the judiciary and those recommended by agencies will continue to remain on the list. 
&nbsp; 
Pakistan's interior minister Rana Sanaullah claimed&nbsp;currently 4,863 names were on the ECL and at least 3,000 names will be taken off the blacklist with rule changes to be incorporated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to sources in Pakistan's ministry of interior, the names of at least 150 people have been removed from Pakistan's Exit Control List(ECL). The prominent personalities who have been struck off the Exit Control List include PM Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan's interior minister Rana Sanaullah, ex-PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Railway minister Khawaja Saad Rafique.

According to sources in Pakistan's ministry of interior, the names of at least 150 people have been removed from Pakistan's Exit Control List(ECL). The prominent personalities who have been struck off the Exit Control List include PM Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan's interior minister Rana Sanaullah, ex-PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Railway minister Khawaja Saad Rafique. Also Read: Bilawal meets Nawaz Sharif in London, discuss Pakistan's 'political situation' The country's defence minister Khawaja Asif has also reportedly been taken off the exit list. Former President Asif Ali Zardari's name has also been struck off the list, sources say. Ex- prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz has also reportedly been taken off the no-fly list. The names were reportedly put on the list after recommendations from NAB and FIA. However, reports claim the names recommended by the judiciary and those recommended by agencies will continue to remain on the list. Pakistan's interior minister Rana Sanaullah claimed currently 4,863 names were on the ECL and at least 3,000 names will be taken off the blacklist with rule changes to be incorporated. (With inputs from Agencies)

Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif's government removes 150 people from Exit Control List

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-high-court-accepts-hafiz-saaeds-application-challenging-his-arrest-in-terror-financing-case-254314">Lahore High Court</a> (LHC) on Monday will hear a petition filed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maryam-nawaz-moves-high-court-over-removal-of-name-from-exit-control-list-266846">Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz </a>(PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz which seeks the removal of her name from the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharifs-name-likely-to-be-removed-from-exit-control-list-260835"> Exit Control List</a> (ECL), Pakistani media reported.

A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi will hear the petition, which was filed on Saturday, a day after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) moved the Supreme Court against the LHC's decision to grant bail to Maryam in Chaudhry Sugar Mills investigation, reported the Express Tribune.

Maryam's name was placed on the no-fly list by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-tehreek-e-insaf-an-underdog-emerges-as-challenger-152858">Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf</a> (PTI) led federal cabinet on NAB's request on August 20, 2018.

Maryam, who is the daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, argues in her petition that her name was placed on the ECL without her stance on the matter being heard.

"The memorandum issued on August 20, 2018, was illegal. I have been regularly appearing in the courts and therefore, I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," Maryam argued in her petition.

She further urged the LHC to declare the order of putting her name on the ECL as null and void and terming it illegal.

The petition further read, "I am under a lot of mental stress due to my father's illness and he also needs me. I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition,"

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday will hear a petition filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz which seeks the removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL), Pakistani media reported.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday will hear a petition filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz which seeks the removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL), Pakistani media reported. A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi will hear the petition, which was filed on Saturday, a day after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) moved the Supreme Court against the LHC's decision to grant bail to Maryam in Chaudhry Sugar Mills investigation, reported the Express Tribune. Maryam's name was placed on the no-fly list by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led federal cabinet on NAB's request on August 20, 2018. Maryam, who is the daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, argues in her petition that her name was placed on the ECL without her stance on the matter being heard. "The memorandum issued on August 20, 2018, was illegal. I have been regularly appearing in the courts and therefore, I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," Maryam argued in her petition. She further urged the LHC to declare the order of putting her name on the ECL as null and void and terming it illegal. The petition further read, "I am under a lot of mental stress due to my father's illness and he also needs me. I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition,"

Pakistan: Lahore high court to hear Maryam's petition for removal of name from Exit Control List today

The federal government and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) are both hesitant to take off Nawaz Sharif`s name from the Exit Control List (ECL), a move that could hinder the former prime minister from flying to London next week to seek further treatment.

Sources confirmed to Geo News on Saturday that instead of taking Sharif`s name off the ECL, NAB has sent a written reply to the interior ministry.

The government and NAB, sources claimed, are not willing to take the responsibility of taking his name off the ECL.

The government is also refraining from using its authority to take Sharif`s name off the list, however, the sources added that in the past, the interior ministry took off several names from the no-fly list without taking accountability watchdog into confidence.

The medical board formed by the government had earlier suggested allowing the ailing former prime minister 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.

The former prime minister was shifted to an intensive care unit (ICU) set up at his Jati Umra residence from the Services Hospital where he had suffered an angina attack, besides complaints of bleeding from gums and some other parts, because of his fluctuating platelets.

The Islamabad High Court had last week granted bail to Sharif for eight weeks, suspending his seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference on medical grounds. Earlier, he had also secured bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case from the Lahore High Court on the same ground.&nbsp;

The federal government and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) are both hesitant to take off Nawaz Sharif`s name from the Exit Control List (ECL), a move that could hinder the former prime minister from flying to London next week to seek further treatment.

The federal government and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) are both hesitant to take off Nawaz Sharif`s name from the Exit Control List (ECL), a move that could hinder the former prime minister from flying to London next week to seek further treatment. Sources confirmed to Geo News on Saturday that instead of taking Sharif`s name off the ECL, NAB has sent a written reply to the interior ministry. The government and NAB, sources claimed, are not willing to take the responsibility of taking his name off the ECL. The government is also refraining from using its authority to take Sharif`s name off the list, however, the sources added that in the past, the interior ministry took off several names from the no-fly list without taking accountability watchdog into confidence. The medical board formed by the government had earlier suggested allowing the ailing former prime minister 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. The former prime minister was shifted to an intensive care unit (ICU) set up at his Jati Umra residence from the Services Hospital where he had suffered an angina attack, besides complaints of bleeding from gums and some other parts, because of his fluctuating platelets. The Islamabad High Court had last week granted bail to Sharif for eight weeks, suspending his seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference on medical grounds. Earlier, he had also secured bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case from the Lahore High Court on the same ground.

Government, NAB both hesitant to take Nawaz Sharif's name off no-fly list

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's name is likely to be removed from the Exit Control List (ECL) upon a prior request citing health concerns, local media reported on Friday citing sources. 
 
Adding that Sharif will be allowed to travel abroad within the next 48 hours, sources said that the officials at the Interior Ministry are waiting for the formal orders to remove his name from the ECL, reported Geo News. 
 
According to Interior Ministry officials, Sharif's name will not be removed until the government issues an order. Moreover, the government may consult with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on the issue. 
 
This comes after the former Prime Minister's brother and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif approached the Interior Ministry to get Sharif's name removed from the ECL. 
 
Due to his brother's health, the PML-N president has suspended all his political and personal engagements. 
 
The former premier will travel to London next week and is expected to be accompanied by Shehbaz Sharif, sources said. 
 
Nawaz Sharif, who was discharged from the Services Hospital two days ago, was shifted to his residence Jati Umra on Wednesday. 
 
Sharif was admitted to the SIMS on October 22 after his health deteriorated drastically due to "critically" low platelet count. 
 
On October 29, Sharif was granted bail by the Islamabad High Court on medical grounds in connection with Al Azizia and Chaudhry Sugar Mills corruption cases. 
 
The ailing Pakistani leader was serving a seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia case in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore. Besides this, he was remanded to the NAB custody in Chaudhry Sugar Mills case.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's name is likely to be removed from the Exit Control List (ECL) upon a prior request citing health concerns, local media reported on Friday citing sources.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's name is likely to be removed from the Exit Control List (ECL) upon a prior request citing health concerns, local media reported on Friday citing sources. Adding that Sharif will be allowed to travel abroad within the next 48 hours, sources said that the officials at the Interior Ministry are waiting for the formal orders to remove his name from the ECL, reported Geo News. According to Interior Ministry officials, Sharif's name will not be removed until the government issues an order. Moreover, the government may consult with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on the issue. This comes after the former Prime Minister's brother and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif approached the Interior Ministry to get Sharif's name removed from the ECL. Due to his brother's health, the PML-N president has suspended all his political and personal engagements. The former premier will travel to London next week and is expected to be accompanied by Shehbaz Sharif, sources said. Nawaz Sharif, who was discharged from the Services Hospital two days ago, was shifted to his residence Jati Umra on Wednesday. Sharif was admitted to the SIMS on October 22 after his health deteriorated drastically due to "critically" low platelet count. On October 29, Sharif was granted bail by the Islamabad High Court on medical grounds in connection with Al Azizia and Chaudhry Sugar Mills corruption cases. The ailing Pakistani leader was serving a seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia case in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore. Besides this, he was remanded to the NAB custody in Chaudhry Sugar Mills case.

Nawaz Sharif's name likely to be removed from Exit Control List

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Monday ordered the government to remove the names of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Shah from the exit control list and the report of the joint investigation team probing the fake bank accounts case.

Hearing the case, over the delay into the 2015 probe, the apex court ordered that the case is forwarded to the anti-corruption watchdog - National Accountability Bureau (NAB), according to a media report.

It also directed the NAB to wrap up its probe within two months.

A person cannot fly abroad if his name is placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).

The JIT last month submitted its report to the top court in which it named both Bilawal and Shah, apart from former president Asif Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur, former president of Summit Bank Hussain Lawai and Omni Group's Anwar Majeed for laundering around Rs 22000 crore through fictitious bank accounts.

Hundreds of 'benami' accounts at some private banks were opened in 2013, 2014 and 2015 from where transactions worth billions of rupees were made, according to the probe.

The amount is alleged to be black money amassed from various kickbacks, commissions and bribes.

Chief Justice Saqib Nisar on Monday questioned the state prosecutor why the government decided to place Bilawal on the no-fly list after the JIT recommended the placement of 172 people named in its report on the exit control list (ECL), the Dawn reported.

"The JIT will have to clarify one thing: Why did it involve Bilawal in this matter?" Justice Nisar said, adding "What did Bilawal do?"

The chief justice wondered if the PPP chairman's name had been included upon "someone's directives" to "defame someone".

He also expressed displeasure over putting the Sindh chief minister's name on the ECL.

Justice Nisar then ordered that the names of Bilawal and Shah be removed from the ECL and the JIT report, and the case be sent to the NAB, which has to conclude its probe in two months.

He said that if necessary, the NAB may summon Bilawal and Shah during its investigation for questioning.

Meanwhile, a banking court in Karachi also extended the interim bail of PPP Co-Chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur until January 23 in the fake accounts case.

Zardari and Talpur allegedly channelled funds through fake accounts in connivance with the chief executive officers of major banks.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Monday ordered the government to remove the names of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Shah from the exit control list and the report of the joint investigation team probing the fake bank accounts case.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Monday ordered the government to remove the names of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Shah from the exit control list and the report of the joint investigation team probing the fake bank accounts case. Hearing the case, over the delay into the 2015 probe, the apex court ordered that the case is forwarded to the anti-corruption watchdog - National Accountability Bureau (NAB), according to a media report. It also directed the NAB to wrap up its probe within two months. A person cannot fly abroad if his name is placed on the Exit Control List (ECL). The JIT last month submitted its report to the top court in which it named both Bilawal and Shah, apart from former president Asif Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur, former president of Summit Bank Hussain Lawai and Omni Group's Anwar Majeed for laundering around Rs 22000 crore through fictitious bank accounts. Hundreds of 'benami' accounts at some private banks were opened in 2013, 2014 and 2015 from where transactions worth billions of rupees were made, according to the probe. The amount is alleged to be black money amassed from various kickbacks, commissions and bribes. Chief Justice Saqib Nisar on Monday questioned the state prosecutor why the government decided to place Bilawal on the no-fly list after the JIT recommended the placement of 172 people named in its report on the exit control list (ECL), the Dawn reported. "The JIT will have to clarify one thing: Why did it involve Bilawal in this matter?" Justice Nisar said, adding "What did Bilawal do?" The chief justice wondered if the PPP chairman's name had been included upon "someone's directives" to "defame someone". He also expressed displeasure over putting the Sindh chief minister's name on the ECL. Justice Nisar then ordered that the names of Bilawal and Shah be removed from the ECL and the JIT report, and the case be sent to the NAB, which has to conclude its probe in two months. He said that if necessary, the NAB may summon Bilawal and Shah during its investigation for questioning. Meanwhile, a banking court in Karachi also extended the interim bail of PPP Co-Chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur until January 23 in the fake accounts case. Zardari and Talpur allegedly channelled funds through fake accounts in connivance with the chief executive officers of major banks.

Fake accounts case: Pak SC orders Bilawal Bhutto's name removed from Exit Control List

Two lawmakers who are vocal critics of Pakistan's powerful military and have alleged widespread abuses by the armed forces say they have been barred from leaving the country, in the latest crackdown on dissent in the South Asian nation.&nbsp;

Ali Wazir and Mohsin Dawar, two parliamentarians from the violence-ravaged North Waziristan region bordering Afghanistan, were due to leave for United Arab Emirates on Friday when authorities at the airport in the northwestern city of Peshawar intercepted them and briefly detained them.&nbsp;

"Both of us are on the ECL," Dawar told Reuters, a reference to the Exit Control List, which names people forbidden from leaving Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan`s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which is in charge of the ECL list and whose officials stopped the lawmakers in Peshawar, did not respond to requests for comment.&nbsp;

But an FIA source confirmed Wazir and Dawar were both on the list, "so they can`t leave the country."&nbsp;

Rights groups and media owners say the military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history, is increasingly restricting free speech and curtailing the work of civil society groups, something the army has denied.&nbsp;

The FIA source said a First Information Report (FIR), which marks the formal opening of a criminal investigation, has been opened against the two lawmakers for making "anti-state" speeches. In practice, such charges are usually levied only when the criticism centres on the military.&nbsp;

"The police in Swabi had lodged cases against them for their anti-Pakistan speeches in a public gathering there," the FIA source said, referring to a city 100 km (60 miles) east from Peshawar in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;

Wazir is the co-founder of the Pashtun ethnic rights movement, the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM). Dawar was one of the leaders of PTM before the July elections when they were both elected to parliament as independent candidates.&nbsp;

The PTM alleges that thousands of Pashtuns were targeted in state-organised killings after Pakistan joined the US-led war on terror in 2001 and launched major military operations against militant strongholds in tribal areas by the Afghanistan border between 2009 and 2014. The army denies the claims.&nbsp;

The military has been engaged in talks with PTM members, but the two sides are far apart on agreement over the grievances of PTM members.&nbsp;

The FIA source said Wazir and Dawar were both briefly detained by the police and will face court hearings or further police investigations.&nbsp;

Two lawmakers who are vocal critics of Pakistan's powerful military and have alleged widespread abuses by the armed forces say they have been barred from leaving the country, in the latest crackdown on dissent in the South Asian nation.

Two lawmakers who are vocal critics of Pakistan's powerful military and have alleged widespread abuses by the armed forces say they have been barred from leaving the country, in the latest crackdown on dissent in the South Asian nation. Ali Wazir and Mohsin Dawar, two parliamentarians from the violence-ravaged North Waziristan region bordering Afghanistan, were due to leave for United Arab Emirates on Friday when authorities at the airport in the northwestern city of Peshawar intercepted them and briefly detained them. "Both of us are on the ECL," Dawar told Reuters, a reference to the Exit Control List, which names people forbidden from leaving Pakistan. Pakistan`s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which is in charge of the ECL list and whose officials stopped the lawmakers in Peshawar, did not respond to requests for comment. But an FIA source confirmed Wazir and Dawar were both on the list, "so they can`t leave the country." Rights groups and media owners say the military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history, is increasingly restricting free speech and curtailing the work of civil society groups, something the army has denied. The FIA source said a First Information Report (FIR), which marks the formal opening of a criminal investigation, has been opened against the two lawmakers for making "anti-state" speeches. In practice, such charges are usually levied only when the criticism centres on the military. "The police in Swabi had lodged cases against them for their anti-Pakistan speeches in a public gathering there," the FIA source said, referring to a city 100 km (60 miles) east from Peshawar in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Wazir is the co-founder of the Pashtun ethnic rights movement, the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM). Dawar was one of the leaders of PTM before the July elections when they were both elected to parliament as independent candidates. The PTM alleges that thousands of Pashtuns were targeted in state-organised killings after Pakistan joined the US-led war on terror in 2001 and launched major military operations against militant strongholds in tribal areas by the Afghanistan border between 2009 and 2014. The army denies the claims. The military has been engaged in talks with PTM members, but the two sides are far apart on agreement over the grievances of PTM members. The FIA source said Wazir and Dawar were both briefly detained by the police and will face court hearings or further police investigations.

Critic of Pakistan army, two lawmakers detained, barred from leaving country