ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday adjourned till August 21 the hearing of a petition seeking disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan for receiving party funds from sources prohibited under the election laws, observing that outcome of a similar case pending for disposal before the Supreme Court is likely to affect the present case.
Headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (retd) Sardar Muhammad Raza the bench of the ECP took up the petition filed by Hashim Ali Bhutta seeking disqualification of the PTI chairman.
Bhutta argued in his petition that Khan was collecting funds for party from prohibited sources, thus he should be disqualified as legislator.
A petition filed by PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi seeking disqualification of Imran Khan and Jehangir Tareen, the PTI’s general secretary, for not disclosing their assets, offshore companies in particular, and collecting foreign funds, is pending in the apex court.
PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry told the CEC that they (PTI) have to face difficulties if ECP issues any remarks concerning the case.
To which the CEC said, “We don’t say anything against anyone. We are bound to hear a case when it is brought before the commission.” “It was an issue between the parties in question, they give more arguments outside the commission.”
