The Supreme Court on Wednesday annulled the verdict of an election tribunal to de-seat Federal Minister for Industries and Production Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi from National Assembly seat NA-211 Naushero Feroze.
The apex court observed that during the trial, Jatoi was not given a right to defend himself against allegations that he had not filed his taxes, and that he had failed to declare details of his assets.
The three-member bench headed by Justice Saqib Nisar, while hearing Jatoi’s petition against the election tribunal’s verdict, remarked that the tribunal’s decision was the “worst” example of providing justice to the people.
How could the tribunal question Jatoi’s degree when it had been verified by the university concerned, it further questioned.
However, the court observed that if a member of the National Assembly conceals their assets, they should be dismissed; but Jatoi was not given the right to defend himself.
The Supreme Court reverted case to the tribunal for review.
