Supermodel files 'desperate' plea in SC to leave country

ISLAMABAD:

Supermodel Ayyan Ali has requested the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) to quash a petition filed by the federal government against Sindh High Court’s March 7 order, calling for the removal of her name from the Exit Control List.
The supermodel was arrested by customs officials from Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad on March 14, 2015 after $506,800 was recovered from her luggage. She was released from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi after almost four months in detention. She has already been indicted in the money laundering case but denies the charges.
Money laundering case: Govt petitions SC against removal of Ayyan’s name from ECL
“I desperately need to travel abroad for fulfillment of my professional obligation and to see my ailing mother in Dubai,” the money-laundering accused told the apex court through her counsel, Latif Khosa.
Ayyan’s counsel claimed that his client’s constitutional rights were being ruthlessly violated as judgement of the SHC had already adjudged and vindicated her grievance by accepting her petition.
“She has given huge sureties for her release on bail and towards
superdari of her passport,” the response submitted in the top court read.
Last week, the federal government through Collector of Customs Model Customs Collectorate had filed an appeal through Farogh Nawaz Lodhi advocate against the SHC’s March 7 order, wherein the interior secretary was directed to immediately remove Ayyan’s name from the ECL and submit compliance report within 14 days.
SHC orders removal of Ayyan’s name from ECL
The appeal stated that all prosecution evidences will be recorded on March 24 and trial is expected to conclude in a short time span, if the petitioner extends due cooperation and seriousness. The government expressed apprehension that there is a chance that Ayyan may leave the country to escape the proceedings, adding that if she seriously considers herself innocent then appropriate course of action is to pray for expeditious trial.
On December 1, a customs court in Rawalpindi had returned Ayyan’s passport after she submitted two surety bonds worth Rs1 million each, and a document of personal guarantee.