Pakistan

ECP seeks evidence in MNA disqualification case

At the last hearing, commission sought details of FIR registered against Ali Wazir

Our Correspondent July 06, 2021

A case has been registered against PTM Leader Ali Wazir and others at Sohrab Goth police station in Karachi. PHOTO: EXPRESS

ISLAMABAD:

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) granted on Monday the petitioner in MNA Ali Wazir disqualification case one last chance to submit evidence to substantiate his plea.

A three-member bench headed by ECP member Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) member Irshad Qaiser heard the disqualification petition of MNA Ali Wazir.

At the last hearing, the commission had sought details of the FIR registered against Ali Wazir and had asked for a briefing about progress on them.

The advocate for the petition contended told the commission that his application fell under Article 63, according to which he should be disqualified for the time.

The lawyer contended that the translation of three Pashto speeches made by Ali Wazir has has given handed over to the University of Peshawar to prepare a transcript.

Irshad Qaiser said: “We should have all the records pertaining to the matter. There is a period after which the jurisdiction of the ECP expires”.

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The article under which the commission was moved states that the ECP shall decide the question within 90 days from its receipt or deemed to have been received and if it is of the opinion that the member has become disqualified, he/she shall cease to be a member and his/her seat shall become vacant.

Qaiser said the commission cannot issue notices without first being provided with satisfactory evidence.

The ECP adjourned the hearing of the case till July 13.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police had arrested MNA Ali Wazir last year in connection with a case registered against him and several leaders of Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement in Karachi after a public meeting.

They have been accused of committing several offences, including hatching a criminal conspiracy and passing derogatory remarks against state institutions.

The article under which the reference is moved states that the ECP shall decide the question within 90 days from its receipt or deemed to have been received and if it is of the opinion that the member has become disqualified, he/she shall cease to be a member and his/her seat shall become vacant.