ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) today summoned reply from Ayyan Ali till December 16, on the petition filed against trial court’s passport return verdict.

IHC Justice Athar Minallah was hearing the plea filed by customs authority. Customs’ lawyer took the stance that Ayyan Ali was detained on smuggling accusation and has been indicted. He also explained that as Ayyan’s name has been added in the Exit Control List (ECL), she does not need the passport anymore. Customs lawyers maintained that alleged smuggler is likely to flee from country. The court was requested to take Ayyan’s passport back as it is one of the key evidence in currency smuggling case.

Expressing fear of Ayyan Ali’s escaping the country, customs highlighted the possibility that suspect would destroy the most important evidences.