Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar barred from travelling to China

Federal Minister for Defence Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar has been stopped from leaving the country as his name was included among others in Exit Control List (ECL) after Supreme Courts verdict against NRO, a private TV reported on Thursday.
Defence Minister along with 6 member delegation was leaving for an official visit to China where he was scheduled to attend commissioning ceremony of F-22 P Frigate. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir is also part of the delegation. According to sources, when Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar along with Admiral Noman Bashir arrived at Islamabad airport, he was told by the immigration officials that he cant be allowed to leave the country as his name is included in the ECL. Secretary Defence Syed Athar Ali was also present on the occasion. On the other hand, talking to another private TV, Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar said he didnt go to airport as his staff informed him that his name is included in ECL, however, he was scheduled to leave for a three day visit to receive Frigates but some powers want to stop him from going abroad. Mukhtar said its shameful and embarrassing that Naval Chief has been allowed to go while Defence Minister has been stopped. "It was in connection with a corruption case but there is no corruption case against me - it is only an inquiry which is pending against me for the past 12 years." He said he would "strongly defend" himself in court. The minister added that his delegation had left for China without him late on Thursday. The defence minister said he is ready to face courts. Ahmed Mukhtar told that President and Prime Minister have been informed about the incident. Meanwhile, other members of the delegation have departed for China.