ECP slams statement

ISLAMABAD: In a rare reaction, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Sunday strongly condemned a statement of the National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq wherein he castigated the electoral body for forwarding a petition by the PTI’s Aleem Khan to the election tribunal.

“A news item has appeared in a section of the press wherein Ayaz Sadiq has criticised the Election Commission of Pakistan for forwarding the election petition with regard to NA-122 Lahore to the election tribunal for further necessary action,” the ECP said in a statement.

This perhaps is for the first time since the 2013 general elections that a sitting MNA of the ruling PML-N has come out mounting massive criticism on the Election Commission, which has faced perennial attacks by the PTI, more precisely by its chairman Imran Khan.

Aleem was defeated recently in a by-election by Ayaz Sadiq, who has challenged his victory and is confident that another by-election would be ordered soon in the constituency.

The statement said, “The Election Commission strongly condemns and rebuts the statement and assertion made by Ayaz Sadiq as the ECP is fully aware of its all constitutional obligations that are performed according to the established laws and rules. Furthermore, the Election Commission cannot bend itself or law to please one or the other interested party.”

The ECP regretted that it was unfortunate that institutions were criticised for personal interests that should be avoided in the best interest of a democratic polity and all responsible public office holders should show respect to institutions.

The PTI’s Aleem Khan had claimed recently that the evidence of irregularities was even stronger then the previous one to get Ayaz Sadiq de-seated.