ECP refuses to recognise Achakzai as PkMAP head

Delists four more political parties

ISLAMABAD:

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday declined to recognise Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the head of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) during proceedings related to the party's failure to hold intra-party elections, amendments to its Constitution, and objections regarding its financial accounts.

A five-member bench led by the chief election commissioner (CEC) heard the case, with counsel for PkMAP appearing before the commission.

During the hearing, the CEC questioned the validity of the power of attorney submitted by the party's counsel, asking whose signatures appeared on the document.

The lawyer responded that it had been signed by the party chairman.

The CEC, however, observed that the party currently had no chairman because it had failed to conduct intra-party elections, adding that there was no recognised party head at this stage.

The commission consequently refused to recognise Achakzai as the head of PkMAP for the purposes of the proceedings.

The CEC said the commission would place the power of attorney on record and issue a separate order on whether it would be formally accepted.

At the request of PKMAP's counsel for additional time to present arguments, the commission adjourned the hearing until Aug. 19.

Meanwhile, the commission continued its action against non-compliant political parties by delisting four more parties for failing to meet legal and regulatory requirements.

According to notifications issued by the ECP, the Technology Movement Pakistan, Awami Jamhoori Party Pakistan, Hum Awam Pakistan Party and Pakistan Reform Party have been delisted.

The commission said the parties were removed from its register for failing to hold intra-party elections, submit annual financial statements, and fulfill other mandatory requirements under the relevant election laws.