ECP disqualifies Karachi deputy mayor Arshad Vohra

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday disqualified Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) leader Arshad Vohra as deputy mayor of Karachi, ARY News reported.

The decision came on a petition instituted by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) seeking to de-seat Vohra for switching loyalty to the Mustafa Kamal-led party.

The PSP leader was elected as chairman of Union Council-49 of Karachi’s central district.

A five-member bench under the stewardship of ECP chief Sardar Raza heard the petition.

The then MQM-P convener Farooq Sattar had gone to the electoral body seeking disqualification of Vohra under the Local Government Act 2013.

He contended that Vohra elected as deputy mayor on MQM-P ticket and he did not relinquish his office after changing loyalty to PSP, which is sheer violation of the constitutional laws. Sattar demanded the ECP to issue a notification of Vohra’s disqualification immediately.

Last year on Oct 29, Vohra had announced to join the PSP. PSP chairman Mustafa Kamal said the party would not ask Vohra to quit his office in light of the ECP’s judgment in Ayesha Gulalai case.