Probing May 2013 elections: PTI, govt agree on forming judicial commission

Everybody is a winner, no one is a loser and ultimately democracy would benefit from it, says Qureshi

ISLAMABAD: After months of tussle between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led federal government, the two on Friday agreed on the terms of reference for forming a judicial commission to investigate allegations of rigging during the May 2013 general elections, Express News reported.

Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar, flanked by PTI vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi and PTI General Secretary Jahangir Tareen, announced the formation of the judicial commission during a press conference in Islamabad.

Terming the agreement a positive step towards strengthening democracy and ensuring transparency of elections, Qureshi said, “Everybody is a winner, no one is a loser and ultimately democracy would benefit from it."

He added that both sides had shown flexibility.

Dar said that they had all agreed, in-principle, to form the commission last December, but the only sticking point was the wording of the agreement, which has now been solved.

He further said PTI negotiating team also showed flexibility and its attitude was positive in sort out differences.

Imran claims victory over formation of judicial commission

Commenting on the formation of judicial commission, PTI chief Imran Khan said the creation of the commission was a victory for the people and democracy, reads a statement issued by the party. He also said the creation of commission is a step towards ending the political mafias and their cohorts who deny people of their mandate through electoral fraud.

“We will now ensure that all evidence of rigging is brought before the JC so that the perpetrators of rigging are exposed and punished,” he added.

Agreement between PTI & PMLN on Judicial Commission reached this evening.

— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) March 20, 2015

Following is the scope of the inquiry of judicial commission:

1. The commission shall inquire in to and determine whether or not the may 2013 general elections were organised, conducted impartially, honestly fairly and justly in accordance with law

2. 2013 general elections were manipulated or influenced pursuant to a systematic effort or by design by anyone

3. The results of the 2013 general elections on an overall basis are true and fair reflection of mandate given by the public