PPP’s Talpur says horse-trading remarks were taken out of context

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party leader Taimur Talpur on Thursday told the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) that his speech in the Sindh Assembly regarding horse-trading in Senate elections earlier this year was taken out of context.

A two-member commission headed by Chief Election Commissioner Justice (r) Sardar Mehmood Raza Khan heard a matter pertaining to Talpur’s allegations during a Sindh Assembly session that a sitting member of the parliament had sold his vote to a political party in the Senate election.

Following the allegations, the ECP had summoned Talpur for an explanation.

As the hearing went underway, the chief election commissioner said, “Everyone talks about horse-trading in Senate elections and a head of one of the political parties also kicked out MPAs over this.”

Justice Sardar Raza told Talpur, “After hearing your statements, we were glad as it is hard to find evidence of horse-trading but are hopeful that you will help us.”

Following this, Talpur’s counsel said, “My client’s 25-minute-long speech came after opposition parties created a hue and cry in the assembly two days earlier. His speech was taken out of context by the media.”

Justice Sardar Raza further said, “If someone takes Rs 50 million in exchange for his vote while sitting in his kitchen, then how is the ECP supposed to find out?”

After the chief election commissioner urged that evidence is provided, Talpur’s counsel said, “We did not level allegations against anyone in a personal capacity.”

Speaking to the media after the hearing, Talpur said, “I have not taken any U-turn.”