ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan in its verdict yesterday disqualified PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the Toshakhana reference under Article 63(1)(p) for making “false statements and incorrect declaration”. Following to the ECP announcement, protests triggered all around the country in favour of Imran Khan. Later, PTI Chief asked his supporters to call of the protests and get prepare for the long march.

The verdict against the PTI chief comes as a big blow to the party as few days back PTI clean sweeped by-elections with 6 National Assembly seats out of the 8 and then PTI’s victory in the July by-elections in Punjab which resulted into the indicators of massive public support for the ousted premier. In the light of the yesterday’s written ruling of ECP the respondent had “intentionally and deliberately” violated the provisions contained [in] sections 137, 167 and 173 of the Elections Act, 2017, as he “has made false statement (sic) and incorrect declaration before the Commission in the statement of assets and liabilities filed by him for the year 2020-21”. Hence, he attracts disqualification under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution read with sections 137 and 173 of the Elections Act, 2017, it added.

The ECP ruling follows up by saying based on the abovementioned findings, facts available on record and keeping in view the argument of learned counsel for parties herein, “we are of the considered opinion that the respondent has become disqualified under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution read with Section 137,167 and 173 of the Elections Act, 2017, consequently he ceases to be a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and his seat has become vacant accordingly”. The ruling said as the respondent “has made false statements and incorrect declaration”, therefore he has also committed the “offence of corrupt practices” defined under sections 167 and 173 of the Elections Act, 2017.

“The office is directed to initiate legal proceedings and to take follow-up action under Section 190(2) of the Elections Act, 2017,” the verdict added. After the ECP’s verdict, Imran could also cease to be the PTI chairman as per an earlier judgement by the apex court.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 22 2022

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