- Commission says decision of not extending term of five Election Tribunals taken on June 22; much before NA-122 decision
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has dispelled the impression that it has terminated the term of the office of Election Tribunal Lahore’s Kazim Ali Malik due to the decision announced by him in election petition pertaining to NA-122 Lahore.
In a press release issued Saturday, the ECP said that the decision of not extending the term of the office of all the five Election Tribunals – three in Punjab and one each in KP and Sindh – including Election Tribunal Lahore had been taken by the commission on June 22, much before the decision of NA-122 Lahore.
“These Election Tribunals were independent in discharge of their duties, with no interference or pressure whatsoever from the Election Commission,” the press release added.
It has been further clarified that after General Elections 2013, 14 Election Tribunals – five in Punjab and three each in KP, Sindh and Balochistan – were appointed by the commission on June 3, 2013 for a period of one year.
Depending upon their workload and the number of cases pending with them, these Election Tribunals were given extension from time to time till August 31.
ECP NOT FILING REFERENCE AGAINST KHAN:
Separately, ECP Secretary Babar Yaqoob has said that no reference was being filed against Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.
Talking to journalists in Islamabad on Saturday, Yaqoob said the commission was reviewing development funds being released in Sindh and Punjab provinces.
To a question, he said all the major political parties have submitted their details of assets. He also said that 40 days have been given for electioneering in Islamabad’s local bodies polls.