Journalist Imran Riaz barred from boarding Hajj flight at Islamabad Airport

Journalist and YouTuber Imran Riaz was reportedly stopped on Monday from boarding a flight to depart for Hajj pilgrimage at the Islamabad Airport.

Last week, Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq allowed Imran to travel Saudi Arabia for performing Hajj.

During the hearing of the case, he judge was told that Imran’s name was placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) on the recommendation of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

Following the arguments, the court granted permission to the journalist for travelling abroad.

Imran Riaz has now decided to take the matter to the court.

On March 28, the federal cabinet had given its nod to include the names of 24 individuals in the ECL. Among the notable names approved for inclusion in the ECL are journalists Sami Ibrahim and Imran Riaz Khan.

Both the individuals were put on the ECL due to ongoing inquiries against them.

However,  the cabinet also approved the withdrawal of names of 22 individuals, including PTI leader Babar Awan, from the ECL.

The decision comes amidst ongoing efforts to regulate the ECL and ensure that it is effectively utilized to address legal matters and prevent individuals under investigation from leaving the country.

Imran moved the Lahore High Court (LHC) last year seeking removal of his name from the Exit Control List (ECL) and Passport Control List (PCL) saying his name was added arbitrarily and in a haphazard manner “relying upon presumptive considerations”.