Panama Papers:ECP Seeks Documentary Evidences From Political Parties

Till Aug 17

Panama Papers:ECP seeks documentary evidences from political parties
till Aug 17

   ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd August, 2016) : The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday directed the counsel of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Awami Muslim League and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) to provide documentary evidences against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and others over Panama leaks till August 17. A five member bench of the ECP, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Justice Retired Sardar Raza Muhammad Khan resumed hearing of the references filed by PPP, PTI, PAT and AML against the prime minister, seeking his disqualification under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution. The bench of ECP heard the arguments of all leaders and counsel of political parties including Latif Khosa of PPP, Chaudhry Ishtiaq of PAT ,Anees Hashmi of PTI and Sheikh Rasheed.

During the course of hearing, Chief Election Commissioner observed that the matter of Model Town incident should be kept separate from Panama reference and rejected the stance of PAT's lawyer. He remarked that ECP cannot disqualify any one before the outcome of pending criminal proceedings in court against respondents. Talking to media after the hearing of references, Federal Minister for Privatization Muhamamd Zubair said that despite passage of four months no evidence could be exhibited before any forum by political parties who were agitating on the issue of Panama leaks. Danyal Aziz MNA said that all political parties admitted before the ECP that the name of Prime Minister was not included in the Panama papers. Further hearing of the references will be held on August 17.