ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday disqualified Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan for five years under Article 63 (1)(P), Wire Examiner reports.
According to the constitution of Pakistan, Article 63 (1)(P) states,
“He is for the time being disqualified from being elected or chosen as a member of a Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) or of Provincial Assembly under any law for the time being enforce.”
A five-member panel, led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, ruled unanimously in Khan’s favor. The ECP’s verdict stated that Khan is no longer a member of the National Assembly and that his statement was “not correct.”
Imran Khan was found to have engaged in corrupt acts, and his membership in the National Assembly has been declared vacant.
The coalition government filed the reference against Imran in August for “not providing details” about Toshakhana gifts and earnings from their purported sale. The reference was presented by lawmakers from the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement to National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, who referred it to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja for further action.
The Toshakhana, established in 1974, is a department under the administrative jurisdiction of the Cabinet Division that maintains valuable gifts given to monarchs, lawmakers, bureaucrats, and officials by heads of other countries and nations, as well as foreign dignitaries.
Gifts/presents and other such items received by those to whom these rules apply must be reported to the Cabinet Division, according to Toshakhana rules.
PTI leadership intends to reach Court over the ECP decision
The PTI leadership said shortly after the ECP judgment that it will appeal the decision against Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case to the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
A ECP disqualifies Imran Khan, PTI General Secretary Asad Umar stated that the party will appeal to the IHC today. He stated, “PTI will submit a petition today.”
Fawad Chaudhry urges people to take the streets
As ECP disqualifies Imran Khan, top PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry branded it a “shameful” decision that was an attack on Pakistan’s institutions.
Fawad Chaudhry told reporters following the verdict that the commission had delivered the outcome they had hoped for. “They’re solely targeting Imran Khan,” he remarked.
According to the PTI leader, the ECP and its members are insufficiently qualified to make this choice. “Who are you [ECP] to make such a decision?” he inquired.
“I urge Pakistanis to take to the streets in defense of their rights. This decision is opposed by the PTI and the entire nation “He continued.
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