ECP receives fourth reference against PM

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed filed the reference in the ECP, seeking disqualification of the prime minister

GILGIT/ ISLAMABAD: Another petition seeking disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from the National Assembly for not disclosing his wealth has been filed on Friday by the Awami Muslim League.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed filed the reference in the Election Commission of Pakistan, seeking disqualification of the prime minister for being co-accused in concealing wealth of his family.

The PPP, the PTI and Dr Tahirul Qadri’s Pakistan Awami Tehreek have already moved similar petitions. The ECP will take up these petitions once its four members are appointed by the government. At present the commission is dysfunctional after the retirement of its four members on June 12.

Talking to the media after filing the reference, Ahmed accused the prime minister of hiding a total of 14 offshore companies his family owned abroad. His petition is identical to those filed by other parties.

The petitions said that Sharif was not eligible for the membership of parliament as he was involved in corruption and hence not ‘honest’ as required under articles 62 and 63 of the constitution.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2016.