Replies by politicians in foul language case rejected by ECP

Imran's detailed reply will be submitted at the next hearing, says Awan

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday rejected the replies submitted by Pervez Khattak, Ayaz Sadiq and Maulana Fazlur Rehman and instructed them to submit an affidavit pledging to refrain from using foul language on the campaign trail.

The hearing by the four-member bench was adjourned till August 9. The body had earlier sent notices to senior politicians, namely Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Pervez Khattak and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for using foul language.

The ECP also said that Pervez Khattak's election result will be based on the verdict of the case registered against him in the electoral body for using foul language while on the campaign trail.

Babar Awan represented Pervez Khattak at the hearing as his legal counsel. The chief election commissioner instructed Khattak to submit a sworn affidavit to ensure he does not use using foul language in the future. The ECP said that “the election results are contingent on the decision of this hearing".



Speaking with Ayaz Sadiq’s counsel, the chief election commissioner remarked that “you should be ashamed at your client's words,” asked why Sadiq had used such language as he was the former speaker of the assembly.

Sadiq's counsel assured the electoral body bench that the code of conduct will be followed in the future.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s counsel, Kamran Murtuza, could not appear before the bench and his assistant informed the commission that Kamran received the notice late, hence could not appear in time for the hearing.



PTI chairman Imran Khan also received a similar notice for using foul language and was also represented by Awan, who vowed to submit a detailed response at the next scheduled hearing.