ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) asked Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to respond to a petition seeking Imran Khan’s dismissal as chairman of his party.
The ECP has given Imran Khan a deadline until March 7 to file his reply.
Afaq Ahmed, the petitioner, did not appear for the hearing, hence the petition should be dismissed for non-compliance, according to Barrister Gohar, the PTI chief’s attorney.
Ikramullah, an ECP member, urged the counsel to present their argument first.
According to Imran Khan’s attorney, the Lahore High Court (LHC) stopped the ECP from prosecuting Imran Khan. However, the court referred the case to the court’s full bench.
Therefore, Ikramullah explained that the order was only to declare the disqualification. Adding that, ‘the commission required a copy of the application submitted to the LHC’.
The commission expressed frustration and stated that people frequently approach the high court. After the court grants a stay order, the commission has no further role to play.
Commission further argued that the ECP has no authority to take suo moto notice in such matters.
On the contrary, the ECP also inquired about the petitioner’s interest in prolonging the matter.
Above all Imran Khan was disqualified from holding public office by the ECP on October 21, 2022, after being found guilty of corrupt practices.
Although, a petition seeking Imran’s removal as PTI chairman was dismissed by the high court on January 9, 2023. Because the matter was already referred to the electoral commission.
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The ECP launched proceedings against Imran Khan in December last year to remove him from the party chairmanship due to his disqualification in the Toshakhana case.
According to the ECP, the PTI chief presented a false affidavit and was found engaged in corrupt acts.
