Judicial commission cross-examines PTI's first witness

ECP, PML-N raise objections over PTI task force in-charge Ishaq Khan Khakwani's statements

ISLAMABAD: The special judicial commission, formed to probe allegations of rigging in the May 2013 general elections, on Tuesday examined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s first witness. 

PTI task force in-charge Ishaq Khan Khakwani appeared before the commission on Tuesday to record his statement. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)'s counsel Shahid Hamid raised objections to some of Khakwani statements during cross examination.

"He is not the author or witness of any documents which are attached in Vol.51, wherein he alleged that the NA-168 elections were rigged,” he said. Shahid also alleged that the documents submitted by Khakwani are not certified.

Judicial commission to hear from PTI's witnesses on May 6

Further, Shahid also raised an objection over the evidence provided, claiming it had either been dismissed or its appeal is pending before the Supreme Court or an election tribunal.

“He is not an agent in respect of any of the 73 election petitions and none of these documents have been obtained from proper custody,” Shahid said.

Counsel for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Salman Akram Raja, said said Khakwani’s affidavit was deliberately vague and did not differentiate whether or not he received or collected these documents.

During the course of the proceedings, Justice Amir Hani Muslim observed that Qunan-e-Shahdat is not strictly applicable in these proceedings.

However, Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan took note that the counsel has the right to express their reservation over the authenticity and genuineness of the documents.

The CJP observed that every political party has the right to cross-examine every witness. Likewise, he said there is no embargo on political parties for producing any witness at any time during the proceedings.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Aitzaz Ahsan raised an objection over People's Muslim League's application against his party. He requested for the documents that contain CMA 4/2015 from pages 48-51.

Read: Judicial commission: PPP names 65 constituencies for poll rigging probe

He has not been given a reply as yet. The commission, however, directed the Secretary to provide him a copy of the documents.

Regarding his application for the inspection of polling bags in 65 constituencies to ascertain the correctness of election record, the PML-N counsel said that if the commission admits his plea then the commission itself will select the constituency.

He stated that the applicant has furnished the list of constituencies in Punjab and he may file an application wherein he will request that the inspection of bags should be done in every province.

The CJP said that before opening the bags, they will have to issue notices to the returned candidates. Further, he said, they would also examine whether the recount would need to happen in Punjab only or other provinces as well.