ECP adjourns Ziaullah Afridi reference till Dec 11
ISLAMABAD, (MILLAT ONLINE):The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday adjourned the disqualification reference of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf against (PTI) Ziaullah Afridi till December 11.
A five-member bench of the ECP, headed by Justice Sardar Raza Khan resumed hearing of the reference, filed by
Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan and Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly to de-seat Ziaullah Afridi Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA).
Ziaullah Afridi and his lawyer Latif Khosa were present. Arguing before the court, Latif Khosa said that Ziaullah Afridi was elected member of Provincial Assembly on PTI ticket in the general elections of 2013.
Counsel of PTI said Ziaullah Afridi has joined Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on August 28. Latif Khosa said that the reference was
filed much before August 28. Chief Election Commissioner said another reference has also been received by Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Latif Khosa said his client has neither left PTI nor joined any other political party.
PTI lawyer said Ziaullah Afridi was issued show cause on August 29. Chief Election Commissioner questioned about the de-seat authority of a legislature .PTI counsel replied ECP has the authority to de-seat any legislature. Ziaullah was accused in corruption charges and sacked from the party on corruption charges.
CEC inquired about the status of the membership rules in case of sacking of a legislature from his political party. PTI lawyer replied that a legislature remains part of the parliamentary party till violation of rules.
Counsel of Ziaullah Afridi objected on additional document presented by the PTI. The ECP directed PTI lawyer to submit relevant document till Thursday. CEC asked Latif Khosa to present counter arguments after reviewing the documents.
It merits mentioning here that Ziaullah Afridi was arrested on corruption charges by the KP Ehtisab Commission. PTI leadership
expelled him from the party.
Latif Khosa argued that Speaker National Assembly did not approve the resignations of PTI legislatures during their sit in. PTI would have no representation in NA in case of approval of their resignations.
Meanwhile, talking to media outside ECP, Latif Khosa said Ziaullah Afridi had objected bad governance of KP Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak. Pervaiz Khattack had also disbanded provincial Accountability Bureau.