Islamabad: Wednesday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) denied the Pakistan Tehreek-e-(PTI) Insaf’s request to cross-examine key witnesses and opted to move on with the show-cause notice in the foreign funding case.
Today, a three-member bench presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja resumed the hearing. Announced the judgement it reserved on December 20.
The ECP issued a judgement on August 2, 2022, proving financial fraud and over $7 million in illicit funding, and issued a show cause to the PTI in August 2022, demanding an explanation as to why it should not be subjected to further legal action for severe financial irregularities.
But, rather than responding to the show cause, the PTI filed a new plea for the cross-examination of crucial witnesses.
The electoral authority denied the PTI’s plea to cross-examine the oversight committee and bank officials. In addition, the party’s objections to CEC Raja’s show-cause notice were also rejected.
On 2 August 2022, the three-member panel of the election commission ruled unanimously that the PTI received illegal funds.
Originally dubbed to as the “foreign funding” case. The election commission later granted the PTI’s request to rename it the “prohibited funding” issue.
According to the 68-page judgement. The commission stated that the Imran Khan-led PTI did indeed conceal its receipt of foreign donations from corporations and individuals.
According to the ECP’s decision, the PTI received funding from 34 people and 351 businesses, including corporations.
In its ruling, the committee noted the discovery of thirteen unknown accounts and added that hiding accounts is a “violation” of Article 17 of the Constitution.
In addition, the ECP determined that the PTI chairman had submitted a fake Nomination Form I and a dishonest affidavit about party finances.
