ECP dismisses disqualification references against Imran, Tareen

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday in its verdict dismissed disqualification references against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan and Jahangir Tareen, ARY News reported.

The bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Mohammad Raza Khan declared the references non-maintainable.

Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq had sent the references filed be the PML-N members with him, to the ECP.

The reference raising issues of Imran Khan’s off-shore companies, his flats outside Pakistan and Bani Gala land was submitted by eight PML-N members including Daniyal Aziz, Talal Chaudhry and others.

The PML-N members claimed that the PTI Chief could not remain assembly’s member under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution and sought his disqualification.

PTI chief Imran Khan denied all the allegations and submitted a reply, stating that Bani Gala house was purchased after taking loan from his former wife Jemima, which was paid off by selling London flat.

The reference against Tareen alleged that during Pervez Musharaf’s regime, being a federal minister Tareen had received Rs101 million as loan from Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) in the name of Tandlianwala Sugar Mills, which was latter written off in 2005.

Following the completion of arguments from both sides, the chief election commissioner had fixed March 16 for announcement of the verdict.