Resigning ministers can’t contest elections: Kunwar Dilshad

LAHORE: The ministers of caretaker government, who have resigned after the announcement of election schedule, will not be able to participate in the general elections.

Sources said no federal or provincial minister of the caretaker cabinet and any member of his family can take part in the general elections. “If the ministers of caretaker government, who have resigned, decide to contest elections and submit their nomination papers, their papers are likely to be rejected at the level of returning officer,” they said.

When contacted, former secretary Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Adviser to Punjab Minister for Law Kunwar Dilshad confirmed under Article 224 of the Constitution, the ministers of caretaker government and advisers cannot take part in the elections. They are eligible to contest the by-elections held after 60 days, he said.

Kunwar Dilshad said under Article 223 of the Constitution, the ministers and advisers of the interim government can participate in the by-elections on the seats vacated by candidates winning elections from two constituencies.

The winner will have to vacate a seat.

Kunwar Dilshad said the members of caretaker cabinet can take part in the Senate elections to be held in March.

On a question regarding submission of resignation by Senator Shaukat Tareen to the Acting Chairman Senate, Dilshad said his resignation will not be accepted until the chairman Senate himself processes it in his office.

Balochistan Caretaker Minister for Sports and Culture and Adviser to Chief Minister have resigned and announced to contest the February elections. Adviser Umair Muhammad Hosni submitted his resignation to Chief Minister on December 13, which was accepted.

Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has also resigned. Prime Minister Anwaar–ul-Haq Kakar has accepted his resignation.