Govt to file reference seeking Zardari's disqualification

Fawad Chaudhry says Khurram Sher Zaman tasked to approach ECP to seek disqualification under Article 62, 63

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry revealed on Wednesday that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s plans to file a reference before the Election Commission of Pakistan against former president Asif Ali Zardari seeking his disqualification over concealment of assets.

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad, Chaudhry claimed Zardari’s nomination papers omitted details of an apartment he owned in the United States. He said PTI leader Khurram Sher Zaman had been instructed to file a reference against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairperson.

Citing Article 62 and 63 of the Constitution, the information minister stressed that each candidate is required to submit complete asset details in the nomination papers and since Zardari failed to adhere to the requirement, he is not qualified to be a member of the Parliament.

Fawad reiterated that Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo had already contested their last elections. “Their house of cards has tumbled down,” he quipped.

“Pakistan’s politics is seeing healthy competition. Our government has empowered institutions and helped change the environment to bring foreign investors.”