Disqualification reference: ECP again asks PTI Senator to present arguments

ISLAMABAD: The electoral entity has once again asked Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Saifullah Abro to present arguments on a reference moved by Senator Shahadat Awan from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) seeking Abro’s disqualification from the Senate under Article 62 (1) (f).

In the hearing of the reference on Tuesday, a three-member Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja was informed by an associate lawyer of Abro that the defence lawyer could not appear before the ECP bench due to his other commitments. He sought more time for the defence lawyer to appear and present arguments.

The bench adjourned the case till 7 January, directing the defence side to present arguments on the given date.

It merits recalling here that in the Senate meeting on 5 September, Abro and Awan had an intense exchange of harsh words coupled with alleged profanities. The confrontation escalated after Abro alleged that he was constantly being heckled by Awan during the former’s speech on the floor of the house.

Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani, who was presiding over the session, suspended the Senate proceedings for a few minutes, and summoned the two senators in his chamber urging them to resolve the matter. When the house proceedings resumed, Abro and Awan shook hands and embraced each other.

However, the hostility between the two senators allegedly continued in the days that followed, and Awan moved a reference against Abro seeking his disqualification over allegedly concealing wealth details and not fulfilling the requirements for election on Senate’s technocrat seat.

Abro was elected as Senator on technocrat seat from Sindh on PTI ticket in March 2021 Senate elections.

The Article 62 (1) (f) of the constitution says that a person shall not be qualified to be elected or chosen as a member of Parliament unless—he is sagacious, righteous, non-profligate, honest and ameen, there being no declaration to the contrary by a court of law.

In the light of the relevant provisions of Article 63, if any question arises regarding a senator’s disqualification, the chairman Senate shall refer the question to the ECP within 30 days, and if he fails to do so within the aforesaid period, it shall be deemed to have been referred to the ECP. The ECP shall decide the question within 90 days from its receipt.

Under this article, if the ECP is of the opinion that the said senator has become disqualified, he shall cease to be a member and Senate seat shall become vacant.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024