The federal government has moved to tighten its grip on individuals accused of fueling political unrest, approving a major crackdown linked to the May 9 riots.

According to official sources, the names of several top Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders — including the founder of PTI — have been formally added to the Exit Control List (ECL), barring them from leaving the country.

This significant development comes as authorities aim to curb what they describe as “political chaos elements” allegedly involved in orchestrating or supporting violent activities. The political chaos elements keyphrase is central to the government’s stance as it seeks to prevent any attempts to escape accountability.

Sources confirm that besides the founder of PTI, senior leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Umar Ayub, Fawad Chaudhry, and Shibli Faraz are among those whose names have been placed on the ECL. Ali Amin Gandapur, Shehryar Afridi, and Usman Dar have also been restricted from travelling abroad.

Additionally, female leaders such as Shireen Mazari, Zartaj Gul, Musarrat Jamshed Cheema, and Kanwal Shauzab are included in the list. The government’s move underscores its resolve to address what it sees as an organized attempt by political chaos elements to destabilize the political landscape.

The ECL list extends further, also featuring Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, Major (Retd) Tahir Sadiq, Sheikh Rashid Shafique, former Punjab law minister Raja Basharat, and Waseeq Qayyum Abbasi, among others.

According to insiders, the Punjab Home Department compiled the list and forwarded its recommendations to the federal government after reviewing the May 9 unrest. Authorities say the decision to place these political figures on the ECL was made in light of ongoing investigations and the need to ensure that all individuals involved remain available for legal proceedings.

The ECL Committee had earlier sent these recommendations to the federal government for final approval, which has now been granted.