SC issues notice to PM Imran on Ayaz Sadiq's appeal

This is a matter of honour and the purpose is to prove my innocence, says Sadiq

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a notice to Prime Minister Imran Khan over a petition filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq.

Sadiq had moved the apex court against re-election in NA-122 after an election tribunal had de-seated him on the petition filed by Imran in 2015. Subsequently, Sadiq was de-seated. However, he had managed to win the re-election.

During today’s hearing, Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial stated that the term for the 2013 National Assembly was almost over.

Sadiq’s lawyer said maintained that the appeal had been filed against the fines the PML-N leader had been ordered to pay.

The counsel for the Election Commission of Pakistan said that all the expenses were paid by Prime Minister Imran, however, after losing the case, it was ordered that all expenses be paid by Sadiq.

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Ayaz Sadiq claimed that he was called a “liar and a fraudster” despite being the speaker, and the impression made against him was the “real problem”. He further said that a defamation case in this regard had been going on for many years.

“I do not want anything from Imran Khan. This is a matter of honour, and the purpose is to prove my innocence”, Sadiq said.

His counsel asked why the PML-N leader should pay for the mistakes of the electoral staff.

Chief Justice Bandial said that the bench would come to a decision after hearing the premier’s position and that the case would be fixed for a hearing soon.