ECP suspends hearing in petitions till SC verdict

PM’s disqualification

Seeks replies from Imran, Tareen

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday decided to suspend the hearing of disqualification applications filed against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in connection with the PanamaLeaks till the judgment of the Supreme Court (SC) in the Panama Papers petitions against the premier.

The decision was taken on a plea submitted by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer Salman Aslam Butt, whereas PPP’s Latif Khosa had the contention that the proceedings should continue, since the PPP was not a party in the apex court.

The prime minister’s lawyer pleaded with the ECP to suspend hearing on the references on grounds that the apex court had taken up the matter and there was precedent as well. The hearing of the case had been suspended until the Supreme Court decided the matter.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and Awami Muslim League (AML) have filed applications, seeking disqualification of the prime minister, Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and MNA Hamza Shahbaz Sharif.

The ECP bench, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Justice (R) Sardar Muhammad Raza, resumed hearing here at the ECP Secretariat and took this decision after taking views from the contesting parties, whether or not they should continue with hearing of the related applications. The panel had a short break for consultation prior to announcing its decision of suspending the proceedings against the prime minister and others.

The panel issued notices to PTI Chairman Imran Khan and Secretary General Jehangir Tareen with regard to the disqualification notices forwarded to it by the Speaker National Assembly. They have been asked to submit replies by November 16.

The chief election commissioner said that both could be summoned in case of sensitivity of the references in due course of time while rejecting Hamid Khan’s argument that since both applicants did not turn up, references should be put aside. Sardar Raza said that the ball was now in their court and they would take the decision.

In contrast to the prime minister’s lawyer, Khosa maintained that the ECP is an autonomous constitutional body, answerable only to Allah and masses. He also pointed out that the Supreme Court had not barred the ECP from resuming hearing of the applications against the prime minister.

Hamid Khan of PTI also supported Khosa’s contention and said that side by side with the apex court, the ECP could continue proceedings. Hearing into the applications against PML-N’s MNA Capt (R) Muhammad Safdar and Senator Liaquat Tarakai of PTI was also adjourned till November 16. The ECP also turned down two references against PTI leaders Imran Khan and Jehangir Tareen, as the applicants could not turn up.