Rigging inquiry report: PPP backs Imran’s demand for ECP resignations

Shah advises officers that prestige is more important than money


Our Correspondent July 29, 2015
Khursheed Shah. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD:


The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Tuesday backed Imran Khan’s call for resignations of election commission officials after the judicial inquiry commission pointed out the authority’s shortcomings during the 2013 elections.


Talking to the media, Khursheed Shah, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, said all four members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should quit voluntarily after the commission’s findings. “We know they are getting salaries of Rs800,000 per month. But I think your prestige is more important than money,” he said while referring to the ECP officials.

The then chief election commissioner (CEC), Justice (retd) Fakhruddin G Ebrahim, had resigned a few months after the last elections due to a controversy over the Supreme Court’s order to squeeze the schedule of the presidential elections held in July 2013. However, the other four members opted to stay on.

Read: Govt seeks PTI apology over rigging charges

Shah’s party has also opposed the resolution demanding the unseating of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers from the National Assembly.

Being the opposition leader, Shah enjoys an important role in the appointment of ECP officials. The prime minister and the opposition leader consult each other and name joint candidates for the post. In case they fail to reach a consensus, each of them forwards a separate list to a bipartisan parliamentary panel especially constituted by the speaker to approve a nominee.

Last week, PTI chief Imran Khan in his formal reaction to the judicial panel’s report that validated the last general elections had called for the resignations of the ECP officials.

The ECP spokesman, however, ruled out that any member would quit before completing their five-year constitutional term, which ends in June next year.

In its detailed reaction issued on Tuesday, the ECP announced some administrative changes in the ECP “to address the shortcomings pointed out in the commission’s report”. However, there was no mention of any departmental investigations to fix responsibility for flaws in holding the elections.

While speaking to the media, Shah also demanded the Muttahida Qaumi Movement should not be pushed to the wall. He was referring to the ongoing operation in Karachi, where hundreds of MQM supporters have been rounded up by the paramilitary Rangers for alleged crimes.

Letters written

In a letter written to the prime minister on the flood situation, the PPP leader asked Nawaz Sharif to convene a meeting of the National Disaster Management Commission and to order relief to the affected people on a war-footing.

Read: NA postpones resolutions seeking to de-seat PTI lawmakers

In another letter, Shah asked the premier to announce a special package for the crises-hit Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM). The Sui Sothern Gas Company (SSGC) has served a notice on the steel mill for disconnection owing to outstanding bills.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2015. 

COMMENTS (3)

z | 8 years ago | Reply So 2015 is not an election year and PTI has started to look at 2018. Lord Niazi you were right that 2013 was a last chance for you to become a PM. However, I believe the short cuts are always there, look for them and please don't get disappointed by any JC reports etc.
MMB | 8 years ago | Reply Not only four members, the ECP needs cleansing throughout. Just how police of KPK has transformed. We have 3 tasks ahead, 1) Organise interal PTI (Mr. Sarwar doing so far really well) 2) continue progress in KPK (so far good governance but need to increase this) 3) push for electrol reforms/electrical voting. In sha Allah this will allow us enough time to organise all till 2018. No need to harm PMLN as their mis-managemnet, incompetency and mis-governanace will lead them to their end. Imagine Etsaab commission (like KPK) working independently troughout Pakistan with power to even arrest PM on corruption charges. This day will be the day Pakistan will change and become new Pakistan. And ofcourse not to forget: IMRAN KHAN ZINDABAD, PTI ZINDABAD, PAKISTAN ZINDABAD
VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ