The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has formally begun the process to remove former Prime Minister Imran Khan as chairman of PTI following his disqualification in the Toshakhana reference.
According to the details, the ECP has sent a notice to Imran Khan and summoned him for a hearing on December 13. The Election Commission will also resume hearing on a show cause notice to the PTI on the basis of the foreign funding case judgment on the same day.
On the other hand, in reaction to the ECP notice, PTI has questioned on what legal basis, the notice was issued and said it had already been decided to write to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja for an explanation. As per PTI, there was no legal footing to remove a party leader and there was no bar on any convicted person from leading or becoming an office-bearer of a political party.
Read more: Toshakhana: The zenith of Imran Khan’s corruption?
According to Section 5 (1) of the now defunct Political Parties Order (PPO) 2002, “Every citizen… shall have the right to form or be a member of a political party or be otherwise associated with a political party or take part in political activities or be elected as an office-bearer of a political party: provided that a person shall not be appointed or serve as an office-bearer of a political party if he is not qualified to be, or is disqualified from being, elected or chosen as a member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) under Article 63 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan or under any other law for the time being in force.”
ECP disqualifies Imran Khan
In October, the ECP announced the verdict in the Toshakhana reference and disqualified Imran Khan by stating that Imran Khan submitted a false affidavit and was found involved in corrupt practices.
As a result of the disqualification, Imran Khan ceased to be a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and his seat became vacant accordingly.
Read more: Imran Khan disqualified: PTI to challenge ECP verdict in Toshakhana case
Imran Khan had been accused of incorrectly declaring details of presents from foreign dignitaries and proceeds from their alleged sale. The gifts included Rolex watches, a ring, and a pair of cuff links.
What Election Commission is trying to achieve? Whose script is this? How these "Geniuses" behind ECP manage Economy? US Help? Divine Intervention? or mere "Gas Lighting"? https://t.co/VcR4NGviwd via @YouTube
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) December 5, 2022