ECP to complete hearing by September’s end

ECP decides to complete hearing of fake degree cases by end of next month.


Express September 24, 2010

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) decided to complete the initial hearings of fake degree cases by the end of next month, prior to sending these cases to the courts for a final verdict.

Sources in the ECP, which held the fourth hearing of the cases on Thursday, told The Express Tribune that the commission wants to complete its homework before sending the cases to the courts to avoid the criticism that the ECP is also an accomplice in the alleged government plan to delay the issue’s settlement.

It is also learnt that the ECP might move the Supreme Court for guidance on how to proceed as the commission is incomplete following the change in its composition after the 18th Amendment.

Though the Chief Election Commissioner has repeatedly written to the law ministry to make fresh appointments, there has been no progress so far. It is perceived that the government is employing delaying tactics.

Sources in the ECP said that the cases of 23 MPs are under trial while another 27 public representatives will be called in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the hearing of the cases of nine Senators, MNAs and MPAs was held on Thursday under the Chairmanship of Muhammad Afzal Khan, the nominated officer of the ECP under the direction of the Supreme Court. Of these, seven had been called today and two had been given dates for earlier in the month. All the cases were adjourned.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24th, 2010.

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