Karachi – The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Ministry of Interior, and other relevant authorities after the son of former President Dr. Arif Alvi was reportedly stopped from travelling abroad without being officially placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).
The development came during the hearing of a petition filed on behalf of Dr. Alvi’s son, who challenged the FIA’s move to prevent his departure despite the absence of any formal legal grounds or criminal proceedings against him.
The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that not only had the FIA stopped his client from leaving the country, but the agency had also frozen his and other family members’ bank accounts—causing severe disruptions to daily life, including the inability to access personal funds or meet household expenses.
During proceedings, the court inquired whether the family was able to pay legal fees under the circumstances. The lawyer clarified that he was representing the family pro bono due to their financial hardship.
The bench observed that no First Information Report (FIR) had been registered by the FIA against Dr. Alvi or his son, raising questions over the legality of the restrictions imposed. It also noted that earlier court orders had already barred Dr. Alvi’s arrest unless all relevant cases were disclosed and due process followed.
The SHC has directed the FIA and Ministry of Interior to submit written responses by June 5, seeking clarity on what legal authority—if any—was used to restrict the movement of Dr. Alvi’s son and freeze his financial assets.
The case is scheduled to continue pending further documentation and explanation from the agencies involved.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
