The Exit Control List (ECL) and Integrated Border Management System IBMS of Pakistan prevent individuals whose names are included in these lists from leaving the country. The law, which was passed by the Parliament of Pakistan in 1981, grants the federal government the power to deport anyone involved in criminal activity, particularly those who have abused their authority, government officials who have embezzled government funds, and individuals involved in terrorism or serious crimes. Names of individuals who have been prevented from leaving the country by the Supreme Court, High Court, or any other court can also be added to the list. Other reasons may also warrant inclusion on the ECL and Integrated Border Management System. According to sources in the Federal Ministry of Interior, approximately 15,000 individuals are currently on the ECL and Integrated Border Management System (IBMS). However, this number has not decreased during the tenure of the Shahbaz government. Sources who requested anonymity revealed that high-ranking political and government officials often add names to these lists out of personal animosity, even if the individuals in question have not committed any crimes. These individuals are implicated in false cases, and there is often pressure on the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to add their names. Hundreds of people have been added to the lists through corrupt practices, such as bribing officials in the ECL section of the Ministry of Interior or the IBMS section of the FIA. It appears that there are significant oversights in the system. For example, nearly 80% of personnel in the ECL and IBMS sections of the FIA are recruited on a contract basis, and their contracts are frequently extended. This makes it easy for them to flout rules and regulations, as seen in the case of a system administrator named Asghar, who added the name of one of his relatives to the IBMS illegally. When the victim filed a case in the High Court, Asghar lost his job, but he was later reinstated and reassigned to the same position. Sources suggest that he may have had information about corruption among FIA officials. It is also alleged that if someone has committed a minor crime, they can easily have their name removed from the ECL and IBMS lists by bribing officials. The system is outdated and contains the names of individuals who have passed away, as well as those who have been living outside Pakistan for many years. If an individual is outside the country, there is no way to add their name to the ECL or IBMS. Additionally, individuals against whom cases have been closed by the court or police station are still on the lists. Every month, hundreds of wanted individuals enter and exit the country through various airports and land borders, but only those who do not bribe FIA staff are caught. Those who pay are escorted out the back door of the airport in a VIP manner. If the ECL and IBMS were under the control of a military intelligence agency in Pakistan, many people would be apprehended while entering and exiting the country. However, the system has become a tool for corruption and is being used unlawfully. Dangerous criminals are easily escaping from Pakistan as a result. The Supreme Court of Pakistan should take suo motu action to update the ECL and IBMS lists. This system is being used to torture and blackmail people, and only the Supreme Court and High Court should have the authority to add the names of suspects or criminals to the lists.
The writer is a columnist & human rights activist. He can reached at ihtisham0001@gmail.com.
