PESHAWAR – Nisar Baz, a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) representing the Awami National Party (ANP), was stopped from traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah early this morning, the lawmaker said.
In a video message shared on X (formerly Twitter), the lawmaker confirmed that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) offloaded him at Islamabad International Airport. The action follows the placement of his name on the Exit Control List (ECL).
Account of the Airport Incident
Nisar Baz stated that he cleared security and obtained his boarding pass. However, FIA officials intervened just as his flight prepared for takeoff. Consequently, they informed the MPA that federal travel restrictions prevented his departure.
“The FIA called me aside right before the plane took off,” Baz explained in his video. “They told me I could not leave because my name is on the ECL.”
Claims of Political Targeting
Furthermore, the lawmaker alleged that officials failed to provide specific legal justification for the ban. He spent several hours questioning airport authorities. Nevertheless, he claimed they could not identify the specific department that requested his inclusion on the no-fly list.
Nisar Baz characterized the move as a political tactic. Specifically, he argued that his advocacy for provincial resources and his critiques of the military establishment’s political role led to these restrictions. He maintained that he is a peaceful political worker with no involvement in illegal activities.
Legal and Institutional Response
The lawmaker said his legal team plans to file a petition in the Peshawar High Court to compel the government to disclose the formal charges or evidence justifying the travel ban. Nisar Baz argues that the restriction infringes on his rights as an elected representative.
Finally, he criticized the current governance style of the Federal Government and the Military Establishment. He suggested that the system cannot function effectively when it restricts the movement of elected officials without transparency.
The government has not yet issued a formal response.
ANP Leadership Vows Action
Following the incident, ANP Central President Senator Aimal Wali Khan issued a strong statement from Bacha Khan Markaz. He characterized the event as a “disrespect to Parliament” and the “exploitation of an elected representative.” Specifically, the Senator vowed that the party would investigate the matter thoroughly.
Furthermore, Wali Khan stated that the ANP will force state institutions to explain the basis for placing an MPA on the ECL. He questioned the irony of the situation, noting that individuals who should be restricted often travel freely. He said, Nisar Baz Khan, a parliamentarian already targeted by terrorists for his political stance now appears to be “targeted by state institutions.”
Consequently, the party plans to raise this issue in both the Senate and the Provincial Assembly.
ANP Balochistan Issues Strong Condemnation
In response to the incident, Asghar Khan Achakzai, the Provincial President of ANP Balochistan, issued a sharp critique of the state’s actions. He described the sudden travel ban as a “clear violation of fundamental civil and constitutional rights.”
Achakzai emphasized that state institutions have a responsibility to follow legal requirements and provide prior notice before placing a citizen on the ECL. Moreover, he stated that such “vague and sudden actions” strengthen the impression of political victimization.
Consequently, he demanded that the Federal Government and relevant institutions immediately disclose the reasons for the ban to the public.
