Justice (r) Wajeehuddin thrown out of CEC’s chamber, says will file complaint

• Former SC judge says will seek removal of CEC Sardar Raza from Supreme Judicial Council
• ECP Spokesman Haroon Khan says Justice (r) Wajeeh’s allegation on the appointment of CEC is not based on facts

ISLAMABAD: Former Supreme Court justice Wajeehuddin Ahmad on Wednesday said that he would file a complaint against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (r) Sardar Raza Khan’s “disrespectful” behaviour to the Supreme Judicial Council.

Justice (r) Wajeehuddin, who heads the Aam Log Ittihad Party, made the remarks after a heated argument with the CEC at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Earlier in the day, Wajeehuddin was upset when the ECP adjourned the hearing of his petition seeking registration of Aam Log Ittihad Party. As a result, an infuriated Justice (r) Wajeehuddin went into the chamber of the CEC and complained vociferously that the CEC should have waited and not adjourned the proceeding as he had come from Karachi. The CEC pointed to the loud tone of voice and said, “it has hurt him”. Justice (r) Wajeehuddin and his counsel were kicked out when he said: “you [CEC] are a public servant and should be ready to hear these things”.

Addressing the media outside the ECP, Wajeehuddin said that “the CEC is ineligible to conduct the elections”. He claimed he reached the ECP with the necessary documents for his petition but found that the CEC and ECP members had returned to their chambers.

He claimed that the CEC told him to get out and said this behaviour is unbecoming. He said that these retired judges have two jobs and feel they are just here to sip tea. He said, “today is a sad day for the ECP.”

Speaking to a private TV channel later, Wajeehuddin said he submitted papers for the registration of his party in 2016 but the ECP was yet to rule on it.

Justice (r) Wajihuddin remained associated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf until quitting in September 2016 after which he formed his own political party.

Later in the day, the ECP clarified the media statement of Justice (r) Wajeeh, in connection with the appointment of CEC.

Talking to media persons, ECP Spokesman Haroon Khan said the Aam Log Ittihad Party chief’s allegation on the appointment of CEC was not based on facts and the actual situation.

He said the CEC was appointed with the consensus of all the political parties and in a transparent manner. He further said the appointment of CEC was made under article 213 of the Constitution.