ECP rejects Elahis’exemption pleas

Also issues notice to ex-MP for hiding assets

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan has rejected the pleas of Pakistan Muslim League (Q) leaders Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and Chaudhry Hussain Elahi seeking exemption from a penalty imposed on them for violation of code of conduct during elections.

Headed by Chief Election Commissioner, the three-member panel heard plea regarding the exemption from penalty imposed on violation of code of conduct in elections.

During the hearing, the lawyer of Punjab Assembly Speaker Pervaiz Elahi appeared on his behalf and argued that although his client is not at fault yet a penalty of Rs5,000 has been imposed on him.

The ECP chief then inquired about Hameedullah Bhatti but Elahi’s lawyer denied having any connection with him, to which the ECP chief again inquired if any action was taken against Bhatti for appearing on their behalf.

Moreover, Elahi’s lawyer also informed the panel they have not paid the penalty upon being inquired by Member Sindh Abdul Ghaffar Soomro. After this, the chief election commissioner said the panel has already warned twice before but the lawyer doesn’t seem to know anything about this or Bhatti.

Meanwhile, Chaudhry Hussain Elahi’s lawyer presented arguments against penalty imposed on him. The commission, however, rejected the plea.

The ECP also issued notice to former member Punjab Assembly Mian Tariq Mehmood on his disqualification plea.

Plaintiff Mian Muhammad Akhtar Hayat’s lawyer Mubeen Qazi appeared before the commission while Mian Tariq Mehmood’s lawyer couldn’t appear.



Plaintiff’s lawyer observed that Mehmood in 2008-13 nomination papers hid his Spain business while he hid assets in annual documents as well. After submitting the reply Mehmood is employing delay tactics and isn’t coming before the commission, this time as well he has contested the elections but lost.

Hearing the arguments, the panel issued another notice to Mian Tariq Mehmood and adjourned the hearing till January 22.