ISLAMABAD: While hearing the Toshakhana reference against former premier Imran Khan, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja on Thursday remarked that the PTI chairman was still a member of the National Assembly as per the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) documents.
The reference was filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Barrister Mohsin Nawaz Ranjha earlier this month wherein he sought the PTI chief’s disqualification for not disclosing the gifts received from Toshakhana.
During the proceedings today, the CEC stated that “it is repeatedly said that the ECP is not accepting resignations. Show [any proof] if former deputy speaker [Qasim Suri] sent any resignations.”
“According to the ECP’s records, Imran Khan is still a member of the assembly,” he added.
Barrister Gohar Khan argued that “Imran Khan is not a member of the assembly and therefore a notice cannot be issued to him”.
“If an assembly member announces his resignation and does not go to the House, then the resignation is considered accepted,” argued PTI’s counsel.
“The reference sent by the speaker is scheduled for August 24,” he added.
The CEC snubbed the barrister and asked him to “speak of laws at the commission. Save other discussions for the TV”.
Raja then adjourned the reference’s hearing till August 22.
It may be noted that the petition had sought to disqualify Imran Khan under sections 2 and 3 of Article 63 of the Constitution, read with Article 62(1)(f) – the same provision under which former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was disqualified in 2017.
It reads: “A person shall not be qualified to be elected or chosen as a member of Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament) unless […] he is sagacious, righteous and non-profligate, honest and ameen, there being no declaration to the contrary by a court of law.”
