LAHORE: Punjab Assembly passed a resolution against the disqualification of PTI Chairman Imran Khan by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the Toshakhana reference.
An emergency session of the Punjab Assembly was passed after the verdict by the election commission. The resolution was moved by former chief minister Punjab Usman Buzdar.
The resolution said the decision was based on malafide intentions which aim to harm the country. It said the Supreme Court of Pakistan has declared Imran Khan as ‘sadiq’ and ‘ameen’ in its verdict.
It said the current imported government cannot compete against Imran Khan in the political arena. It further said Imran Khan is the most popular leader in the country.
The resolution said the Punjab Assembly rejects the decision of the ECP, saying the decision is a slap in the face of the nation. It called on the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to resign from his post with immediate effect.
A ruckus erupted in the Punjab Assembly hall when the resolution was being passed as opposition lawmakers raised slogans and surrounded the speaker’s dais.
Speaker Punjab Assembly Sibtain Khan attempted to control the commotion raised by the lawmakers. He said the opposition’s protest has been noted and reprimanded female MPAs from whistling in the House and maintaining decorum.
Senior provincial minister Mian Aslam said the resolution was approved with a majority. Speaking in the House, he said the ECP’s decision was based on malice. Lahore. He said the House rejects the one-sided decision as other parties have not been involved in such cases.
He said the ECP made a one-sided decision and did not take action against those who took luxurious cars from the state coffers. He said the ECP spokesperson has made a nexus with 13 parties against Imran Khan. He said Imran Khan is the only leader who made a record on July 17 and October 16 elections.
The ECP disqualified Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case and ruled that he is no longer a member of the National Assembly. The election commission also directed criminal proceedings to be initiated against Imran for misdeclaration.
The ECP ruled that Imran Khan submitted a false affidavit and was found involved in corrupt practices under Article 63(1)(p). A five-member bench of the ECP, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, heard the case and reserved verdict on September 19.
In August 2022, National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf sent a reference to the ECP under Articles 62A, 63A, and 223, seeking Imran Khan’s disqualification in the Toshakhana scandal. The disqualification reference was filed by Ali Gohar Khan, PML-N’s Mohsin Nawaz Ranjha, and five others.
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