Islamabad (May 09, 2017): Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday restored a reference seeking disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Iman Khan as MNA, which was earlier dismissed on non-persecution basis.
The reference seeking disqualification of PTI chief as member of National Assembly was filed by one, Hashim Bhutta. The hearing was conducted by Chief Election Commissioner and four members of the ECP.
Advancing arguments, the applicant counsel said that the ECP dismissed the reference on January 16 for non-persecution basis. This was the first day during which his client could not appear before the Commission due to the death of his one of close relatives.
Imran Khan’s counsel argued that the grounds taken for restoration of the reference were not proper and insufficient. He added that a petition of similar nature filed by PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi was pending in Supreme Court. He pleaded the commission to reject the application for restoration of the reference.
After hearing arguments of both sides, the Commission reserved its decision on the application.
Later, Chief Election Commissioner Justice Sardar Raza Khan announced its decision restoring the reference.
The ECP also issued notice to PTI chief, directing him to submit reply on the reference by May 23.
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