ECP issues notice to Maryam Nawaz over holding party office

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday admitted a petition for hearing filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) challenging appointment of Maryam Nawaz as Vice President of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N).

During proceeding, a three-member commission headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza issued a notice to Maryam Nawaz and adjourned hearing till 17th of June.

The PTI counsel informed the commission that Maryam Nawaz was appointed as the party’s Vice President on May 3, 2019. No intra-party elections were held for this party office, the counsel responded when the CEC asked whether it was appointment or election on the party office.

The counsel said that Maryam Nawaz was convicted by an accountability court and has been declared disqualified for holding any political or public office.

He said that her appointment as PML-N Vice President is in conflict with the law and constitution.

He said that as per Supreme Court decision, a convicted person cannot hold any public office. He said that the High Court had suspended Maryam Nawaz's sentence on September 19.

Parliamentarians from PTI Barrister Malika Bukhari, Farrukh Habib, Kanwal Shauzab and Javeria Zafar had challenged the Maryam’s appointment, saying that her appointment as a PML-N vice-president is in contradiction with the constitution and law of the land.

Talking to media outside ECP, Parliamentary Secretary for Law, Maleeka Bukhari said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf believes in strengthening of democracy.