Punjab Assembly adopts resolution against ECP verdict amid uproar

Staff Reporter
LAHORE: Amidst the uproar, the Punjab Assembly adopted a resolution showing solidarity with former prime minister Imran Khan in wake of the ECP disqualification verdict.
Former CM Sardar Usman Bazadar read out the resolution in the House, stating the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision against this based on malice. He continued: “Imran Khan is the symbol of the federation and the purpose of such a decision is tantamount to inflicting harm.
“Court has already declared him Sadiq and Amin. The Election Commission does not have the authority. “This house rejects this decision. The Chief Election Commissioner should be removed from office.”
PTI’s Sibtain said the ECP verdict will be remembered as the darkest decision.He added: “We will not accept conspiracies hatched in closed rooms. “We strongly protest against the unconstitutional decision. The text of the judgment has not so far been released. “The resolution was adopted. One member has not signed the decision so far.”
The House witnessed uproar as opposition and government members opted for sloganeering against each other. The government lawmakers were shouting ‘Maryam’s papa is a thief’ while the opposition chanting ‘Imran khan is a thief’ slogan.
Opposition lawmakers staged a protest in front of the speaker’s desk. The protesting lawmakers were holding placards inscribed with anti-Imran slogans. PML-N women lawmakers were blowing whistles in protest during the session.
The speaker issued instructions to keep quiet and exhorted all members to take their seats.
The ECP yesterday announced its verdict in the Tosha Khana reference yesterday, declaring former prime minister Imran Khan disqualified.
The four-member ECP bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja announced its verdict on Friday at ECP Secretariat in Islamabad.
The decision which was made last month by the five-member ECP bench was unanimous. However, the verdict was announced by a four-member bench today as the ECP Punjab member Babar Hassan Bharwana could not make it to the commission.
According to the verdict, Imran Khan committed dishonesty and the commission has ordered criminal proceedings against him under Article 63(1)(P). Imran submitted a false declaration to the Election Commission and lied in his annual returns, the decision states adding that some of the gifts retained from Toshakhana were concealed in his assets.
It says that Imran has been declared disqualified for the current term of assembly and has been de-seated as a member of the National Assembly, it maintained.