ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) explained the reasons for rejecting the Pakistan Tehreek-i-(PTI) Insaf’s application for cross-examination of witnesses, including bank officials. It declared that the confiscation of illegal funds received by the party has begun.
In its order, the ECP indicated that granting the request for cross-examination at this point would require reopening the entire case. Which concluded in August of last year. It stated that current processes to execute last year’s findings involved confiscation of the party’s illegal contributions or donations.
“The prayer for reopening or reconsideration of the matter at this stage cannot be considered. As the proceedings in terms of Rule 6 of the Political Parties Rules (PPR) 2002 are execution of findings recorded in terms of section 6 of the Political Parties Order. 2002 by the commission,” stated the detailed order.
Moreover, The order also said that the current proceedings, pursuant to Rule 6 of the PPR, exclusively involved the confiscation of contributions or donations deemed “prohibited” by the ECP. The order states, “There are just two requirements of Rule 6: first, the party must be notified, and second, the party must be given an opportunity to be heard. Both of these requirements accomplished in this case.”
The ECP found unanimously on August 2, 2022 that the PTI had received ‘prohibited’ financing or contribution.
Votes Recounting
Separately, the ECP ordered a recount of ballots at 17 polling stations in Karachi in response to a complaint filed by Arif Sultan Minhas. The deputy chief of Jamaat-i-Karachi Islami’s chapter and chairman of the party’s election cell.
Afterward, Mr. Minhas had filed a complaint alleging “post-election rigging due to several anomalies and illegalities”. Demanded a recount of ballots and disciplinary action against district returning officers and returning officers.
Moreover, In its order, the ECP stated, “After examining all the records and reports submitted by the enquiry committee. Relevant ROs and DROs, and other parties concerned we have concluded that the instant complaint has sufficient merit to warrant action by the commission. In accordance with Article 218(3) of the Constitution. Section 95(5) of the Elections Act, 2017, and Rule 40(4) of the Sindh Local Councils (Elections) Rules, 2015.
“Therefore, the recount of votes of the (17) polling stations conducted by the respective returning officers. In the presence of respective district election commissioners who directed to issue notices to all the concerned parties. And the presiding officers to their officers, conduct recounting of votes, and submit reports to the office within three days. “Because Mr Zulfiqar Ali, returning officer for UC-3 in Orangi, suspended by the commission due to his conduct, the district returning officer shall perform recounts in his place, if necessary, in accordance with this order,” the ECP noted in its order.
