2013 elections: Commission to launch poll fraud inquiry today

PTI requests to form separate ‘Special Investigation Teams’ to investigate key issues

ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday urged the judicial panel to form a ‘Special Investigation Teams’ to probe allegations of rigging during the 2013 general elections.

The three-member judicial panel, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasirul Mulk, will examine proposals furnished by major political parties from today. PTI through its counsel Abdul Hafeez Pirzada has submitted a 46-page proposal. The copy of the statement is available with The Express Tribune. Through its statement, the PTI did not directly level allegation of poll rigging against former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, caretaker chief minister Punjab Najam Sethi and GEO TV owner Mir Shakilur Rehman.



“Identifying key issues and matters in respect of which the PTI respectfully prays that it is necessary and appropriate for the commission to exercise its powers under Section 6 read with Sections 4(1) and 4(2) of the Ordinance and form separate ‘Special Investigation Teams’ contemplated in Section 6 to investigate the key issues and matters and to report thereon to the Commission and also share the findings with the PTI and other parties represented before the commission,” says the statement.

The party has also requested the commission that Justice (retd) Fakhruddin G Ebrahim, the former chief election commissioner, may also be called and permitted to be examined on behalf of the PTI by the commission. The party has also furnished the evidences of alleged rigging in 44 constituencies of the country.

Meanwhile, other major political parties also submitted their evidences before the commission.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Awami National Party (ANP), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and Balochistan National Party (BNP) have presented proofs and supporting documents regarding the alleged rigging in the general elections held on May 11, 2013.

MQM changes stance

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which had earlier opposed the formation of the judicial commission, has now decided to appear before it.

The party, which has announced its decision in a statement Wednesday night, said a letter on behalf of MQM leader Farooq Sattar has been sent to the chairman of the commission, stating that it will give its version on alleged rigging in the 2013 general elections.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th, 2015.