Senate elections: Balochistan govt directed to stop release of funds to MPA

Balochistan High Court admits constitutional petition, orders govt to stop release of funds to Pir Abdul Qadir Gilani.

QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court, while admitting a constitutional petition for regular hearing, has directed the provincial government not to release funds worth Rs260 million to MPA Pir Abdul Qadir Gilani. The orders were issued by a division bench comprising of Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa and Justice Qadir Mengal.

Balochistan Assembly Speaker Aslam Bhotani had filed a petition, in which he stated that Pakistan Muslim League – Quaid (PML-Q) MPA Pir Abdul Qadir Gilani had confessed in a media talk that he was going to vote for Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidates after the government had assured him of releasing Rs260 million in provision of different MPA schemes.

Gilani had stated that he was to receive Rs650 million as no funds had been given during the last four years. The petitioner says that such acts are considered to be horse-trading and his election must be declared null and void.

The court approved the constitutional petition for regular hearing and directed the government to stop the issuance of funds. It has also sought details on the release of funds to members of the Balochistan Assembly.

The division bench also approved another constitutional petition filed by National Party (NP) General Secretary Mir Tahir Bizenjo.

Bizenjo alleged that horse-trading on a large scale had taken place during Senate elections and appealed for a reelection.

The court has issued notices and sought replies from the Government of Balochistan and the chief election commissioner of Balochistan by March 12.