ECP disqualifies PML-N minority MPA Santosh Kumar

Kumar disqualified after PML-N had filed a reference with the ECP for not attending Balochistan Assembly proceedings

QUETTA: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday revoked the membership of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) minority Member of Provincial Assembly Santosh Kumar after a reference against him was filed by his party.

PML-N Balochistan chief Sardar Sanaullah Zehri had issued showcase notices to his party’s minority member of the Balochistan Assembly for not attending the assembly proceedings.

A reference was filed with the election tribunal.

PML-N also made an attempt to bring a resolution in the Balochistan Assembly seeking his disqualification. However, coalition partners suggested that the party take up the issue with the election commission.

“The Election Commissioner of Pakistan had disqualified Santosh Kumar after a reference was filed against him regarding his absence from the Balochistan Assembly’s proceedings,” Election Commissioner Balochistan Sultan Bayyazeed told The Express Tribune.

According to sources, there were differences between Kumar and PML-N leadership over an unknown issue.

PML-N had recommended a female leader of the party to replace Kumar on the reserved seat for minorities.