ECP rejects PTI plea for stay on Gilani’s victory notification

By Muhammad JuniadPublished On 02 Jan 2023

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday rejected the plea seeking a stay on the victory notification of former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani as a Senator.

The victory of Gilani was challenged by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI).

During the hearing on the matter of former premier’s son Ali Haider Gillani’s video scandal, PTI lawyer Barrister Ali Zafar, Parliamentary Leader for Railways Farrukh Habib, and member of National Assembly (MNA) Kanwal Shauzab appeared before the commission and recorded their arguments.

Barrister Ali Zafar claimed that rigging was carried out during the Senate polls through money and party tickets. Evidence of rigging was found a day before the elections, he told.

The member of ECP in Punjab said that the PTI lawyer has already provided the transcript of the leaked video. Punjab members asked about making those who were offered money as parties in the case over which, Barrister Ali Zafar said that they cannot be made party but the court can call them as witnesses.

The one who takes a bribe and the one who gives it, both are accused, Punjab member said.

The ECP while directing the PTI leaders to club all the pleas a petition and submit it again with the electoral body.

Those who took the money and those who gave must be made respondents in the petition, the ECP directed.