Punjab CM's family placed on ECL ahead of fresh probe.

LAHORE -- As Punjab is heading towards a political showdown between the PTI/PML-Q and PDM on the issue of the chief minister's trust vote, the latter (PML-N-led coalition) has placed the names of Chaudhry Parvez Elahi's family members on the no-fly list in connection with a fresh money laundering probe, opened against them by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

The PML-Q is seeing this as a last-ditch effort by the federal coalition 'in collaboration with the powerful circles' to put CM Elahi and his son Moonis Elahi under pressure on the issue of dissolution of the Punjab Assembly and forcing them to say goodbye to PTI Chairman Imran Khan and join hands with the PDM.

The interior ministry has reportedly placed the names of Parvez Elahi's wife, Moonis Elahi's wife, Rasikh Elahi and his wife on the exit control list (ECL). Similarly, the FIA issued notices to the family members of Mr Elahi in connection with a fresh 'money laundering' probe against them.

In a related development, a close friend of Moonis Elahi was also picked up by plainclothes men (of intelligence agencies).

Moonis' friend picked up by plainclothes men; PML-Q sees fresh action as 'pressure tactic' over PA dissolution plan

'The PML-N coalition government is trying its best to force my family to stop supporting Imran Khan. It has not only initiated another investigation against us through FIA but also placed the names of my mother, my wife, my brother (Rasikh) and his wife on the ECL,' Moonis Elahi told Dawn by phone from abroad.

He said the government [in a desperate move] might place his and his father's names on ECL in days to come. Such actions would not help change 'our loyalty towards Mr Khan and shake hands with the PDM,' he declared.

In a tweet, Mr Moonis said: 'Some people picked up a friend of mine from his residence in two black Vigo champs. After some time he will be handed over to the FIA and pressure be exerted on it for registration of case against him. Why don't you understand that we do not have to join the PDM.'

Prime minister's special assistant on interior affairs Attaullah Tarar did not deny nor confirm to Dawn about placing the names of Mr Elahi's family members on the ECL.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) last month had suspended Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman's order of...