National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq talks to the media in Lahore. PHOTO: PPI
On Saturday, Ayaz Sadiq, who is also the National Assembly’s speaker, appeared before the tribunal, headed by Judge Kazim Ali Malik and submitted an affidavit seconding his earlier submitted written statement that no rigging occurred in the general elections in the NA-122 constituency.
Speaking at the tribunal, Sadiq said he was facing Imran Khan’s illogical and immoral allegations, which he chose not to reply in view of the dignity of his position. “I do not fear people while speaking and supporting the truth. I am sure the tribunal judge will also not bow to any pressure,” he said.
The speaker was also cross-examined by the PTI counsel advocate Anees Ali Hashmi regarding polling on May 11, 2013. Later, the PTI counsel claimed that Sardar Ayaz Sadiq could not give a satisfactory response to any of his questions.
PML-N advocate Asjad Saeed, however, said it did not establish rigging in the constituency if Sardar Ayaz Sadiq could not give replies to some of the PTI counsel’s queries.
Talking to media outside court premises, Sadiq said he will not give any statement over the issue as the matter is sub judice. However, he said that he would remain National Assembly till 2018, adding that the decision will be handed down by Kazim Ali Malik not Imran Khan.
“Decisions are handed down on the basis of substantial evidences not on the basis of whims,” he said. Narrating a 50-year-old incident, in which he had accidently hit Imran Khan while playing hockey, he said Imran was still nursing a grudge against him for that.
In earlier proceedings, Sadiq had to present defence witnesses in his favour but he failed to do so.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2015.
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