ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday put off hearing of a reference seeking disqualification of estranged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Ayesha Gulalai until Oct 4, after her counsel sought time to submit a rejoinder to the party’s reply.
Headed by Chief Election Commissioner retired Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza a bench of the ECP was hearing the reference seeking her disqualification from the membership of the National Assembly.
The PTI’s lawyer submitted more documents to substantiate its contention. At which, Gulalai’s counsel sought time to submit a rejoinder to the PTI’s recent reply.
Thus, the hearing was postponed till Oct 4.
Speaking to media after appearing before the ECP, Gulalai lamented that some political parties have been dragging the Pakistan Army, which is a fair and reliable institution, into politics. She said it is good to respect an institution, but one should give his or her point of view.
Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq had sent the reference to the ECP to decide it within 30 days in accordance with the law.
PTI chief Imran Khan had requested the speaker to disqualify her for violating the party discipline by not participating in voting for PTI’s nominated candidate Sheikh Rasheed in the election for the prime minister’s office.
Gulalai shot to prominence after she announced to left the party in spectacular fashion and accused the PTI chief of misogyny and sending her inappropriate text messages. She also alleged that women were not respected in the PTI and she had quit over differences with the party leadership. All charges have been dismissed by the party.
Gulalai was sent a show cause notice after the press conference to explain her actions but she failed to respond. The party sent a final notice to Ayesha Gulalai, a copy of which was also sent to the ECP and Speaker National Assembly.
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