Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has adjourned till September 28 hearing of references seeking disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, finance minister Ishaq Dar, PTI chief Imran Khan and other politicians for concealing assets and keeping offshore holdings as revealed in Panama Leaks.

The petition filed by Wahid Kamal for disqualification of PM Nawaz Sharif was dismissed. A 5-member bench of ECP presided over by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sardar Raza Khan took up the references for hearing Tuesday. Former Attorney General (AG) Suleman Butt appeared on behalf of PM Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and finance minister Ishaq Dar before the ECP. He sought more time from the court to file a reply.

Hamid Khan represented PTI before ECP. He argued that the ECP was entitled to hear the petitions pertaining to disqualification. CEC observed “you say in Akbar S Babar’s case ECP is not authorised to hear it. Is there not a contradiction in your stance?” Hamid Khan replied that these two cases were of different natures.

Shah Nawaz Dhallon also filed petition seeking to deseat Imran Khan for concealing assets and for formation of off shore companies which was admitted for hearing by the election commission. Shah Nawaz Dhallon argued that Imran Khan formed an offshore company in the name of Niazi Services but he did not show it. London flights is owned by an offshore company but Imran Khan showed it under his ownership in the beginning of the nomination process.

The Election Commission issued orders for fixing a reference for hearing. Bushra Gauhar from ANP appeared against PTI senator Liaqat Tarakai arguing that action be initiated against the seconder and proposer of Liaqat Tarakai as to how they proposed the name of Tarakai despite his offshore companies.

Talking to media later, counsel for Sheikh Rashid said ECP pursued traditional methods. The eyes of 200 million people of the country were fixed on this case, and allowing Nawaz Sharif’s counsel more time was tantamount to wasting time.