Money-laundering scam: Zardari's name removed from Exit Control List

The names of former Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur have been removed from the Exit Control List (ECL) by Pakistan's Interior Ministry.

"Zardari and Talpur's names were removed from the ECL on the directives of the interior secretary. The interior secretary had prepared a summary a few days earlier directing that the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader and his sister's names be removed from the list," Geo TV quoted sources as saying.

Prior to this, Zardari and Talpur's names were placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) on the orders of Pakistan's Supreme Court, sources told Geo TV earlier.

However, on July 12, the country's apex court refuted reports that it did not place the brother-sister duo on the ECL and did not issue directives to prevent them from leaving the country in connection to their alleged involvement in a money-laundering scam.

Earlier on July 10, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had issued notices to Zardari and Talpur, in regards to the case involving swindling of (Pakistani) Rs. 35 billion.

They were also summoned by the FIA for questioning. However, the Pakistan Supreme Court had directed the agency to take up the case after the general elections are held on July 25.

At least, 32 people are under legal scanner by the FIA for laundering money from fictitious accounts. Zardari, however, has denied such allegations.

On July 6, the FIA had arrested Stock Exchange of Pakistan chairman Hussain Lawai, who is considered to be Zardari's close aide.