Rigging allegations: Difficulties persist in finalising ToRs

Govt calls next meeting on December 13

ISLAMABAD: The parliamentary committee constituted to probe into the allegations of rigging in the July 25 general elections is facing difficulties in finalising the Terms of Reference (ToRs).

The parliamentary board’s sub-committee formed to finalise the ToRs has received the 33-word ToRs of the government, which the opposition has rejected. However, the opposition, whose ToRs have already been submitted, suggested sending its and the government’s ToRs to the central committee for a final decision.

The other day, the government submitted its ToRs during a sub-committee’s meeting chaired by its convener Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood.

According to the government’s ToRs, the parliamentary committee will hold an inquiry to determine that the Election Commission of Pakistan conducted the elections honestly, transparently and according to the law and that it took steps to ensure that no corrupt practice took place.

Speaking after the meeting, the convener said that the general elections were held in a transparent manner and in accordance with the Constitution and the law, adding that the European Union and Fafen reports had also come in this regard.



“Reference to determine the constitutional status of the parliamentary committee is with the speaker,” said the minister. “We have suggested the best ToRs according to Section 218 which encompasses the complete demands of the opposition.”

On the other hand, opposition leaders - PPP’s Naveed Qamar and PML-N’s Rana Sanaullah - rejected the government’s ToRs, saying, “It is obvious from the limited ToRs of the government that it is trying to avoid the investigations, but the opposition will not let that happen.”

They said that all opposition parties would hold discussion over the matter.

Rana Sanaullah said, “The elections were not transparent. We had the option to boycott parliament, but the PPP did not agree, which is why the option of a parliamentary committee to investigate the matter was chosen, but the government is still not serious.”

He said, “We have also demanded that both the ToRs be sent to the central committee for a final decision. However, the government stressed that one more meeting of the sub-committee be called on December 13.”

The opposition leaders said if the way of the parliamentary committee was blocked, the other option was of protests, which could go to any extent.

“The opposition does not want this to happen, which is why the government should not try to find an escape route through the parliamentary committee and force us to opt for protests,” they added.