Vawda once again fails to appear before ECP

ISLAMABAD – Federal minister of the ruling party Faisal Vawda once again failed to appear before the Commission in dual nationality case despite several notices issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The Commission meanwhile once again showed its annoyance over the absence of Faisal Vawda. During the hearing of dual nationality case against Faisal Vawda, member Punjab Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) asked the counsel of the minister why did the minister not appear before the commission once again. The lawyer of the minister stated that Faisal Vawda did not appear before the commission as his mother was ill and in critical condition.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) adjourned the hearing while summoning Faisal Wawda in March.

The Commission during the hearing further said that Faisal Vawda should give respect to the Commission as it was also a constitutional body. Showing his annoyance, member Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Balochistan stated that Faisal Vawda had no respect for Commission as he had even failed to submit his reply to the commission. The counsel of the minister also filed a petition seeking withdrawal of the summons and the fine of Rs50,000 imposed by the ECP for his failure to appear before the Commission.

Commission member says minister has no respect for electoral body

The lawyer in the petition stated that detailed arguments have been given on admissibility of the petitions. He added that first, the commission should decide on its jurisdiction and the admissibility of petitions as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) cannot hear the petitions after a year-and-a-half. On which the member Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)from Punjab responded that where does the law say that ECP does not have authority to hear the case. The Commission meanwhile rejected Faisal Vawda’s plea challenging the summons as well as rejected his plea in the disqualification case. Member Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Irshad Qaiser said that the Election Tribunal Karachi has asked to raise the issue of dual citizenship in the relevant forum which is the Election Commission. Faisal Vawda’s lawyer said that his client wanted to become a senator and therefore, wanted this case to be resolved. Meanwhile, Faisal Vawda on the direction of the Commission submitted RS 50,000 to the commission which was deposited to Sweet Home.