ECP reserves verdict in Waheeda Shah case

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday reserved the judgement in the Waheeda Shah case.
After conducting a detail hearing, the ECP reserved the decision which would be announced on Wednesday (today).
Five-member commission headed by Chief Election Commissioner Justice (r) Hamid Ali Mirza heard a petition filed by Mushtaq Talpur, an opponent candidate of Waheeda Shah.
In his application, Talpur levelled 19 allegations against Waheeda including slapping a female polling staffer. He also pointed out 11 polling stations where violence and rigging took place during the recently-held by-polls. The petitioner requested the commission to declare by-election result for Sindh Assembly seat PS-53 as null and void.
The official result of the constituency was upheld by the ECP. However, according to an official result, PPP candidate Waheeda was elected as MPA.
On Tuesday’s hearing, Waheeda, who was directed by the ECP to appear before the commission, did not turn up in person. Her counsel, Mustafa Safvi, represented her and sought apology on behalf of his client for slapping election staffer. Safvi said his client had already sought forgiveness from the Supreme Court and she was also seeking forgiveness from the ECP. Safvi also challenged the ECP’s jurisdiction for conducting a hearing into the Waheeda Shah case, saying his client case was already being heard in the Supreme Court.
The commission discussed the inquiry report prepared by returning officer Ali Asghar Sial. After hearing the arguments, from both petitioner and Waheeda’s counsel, the ECP reserved the decision until today (Wednesday).