NA-122: Sadiq to file contempt petition against tribunal judge

Tauqir Ghumman Ali Akbar Published December 10, 2014

LAHORE: National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday decided to file a contempt of court petition against tribunal judge Justice Kazim Malik in the Lahore High Court, challenging his decision pertaining to verification of votes cast in NA-122 constituency.

The speaker has consulted his counsel Asjad Saeed on the matter who told DawnNews that the tribunal’s decision was unilateral.

He said the tribunal judge had heard PTI Chairman Imran Khan and his six witnesses but had not heard out the speaker and his witnesses.

He moreover said the tribunal’s decision was in violation of the Supreme Court’s order which said that the tribunal should should first determine the maintability of the petition filed by Khan and then take the case forward.

He said the tribunal had issued its decision without determining the maintainability of the petition.

Election tribunal issues detailed verdict on NA-122 probe

The election tribunal issued a detailed verdict over the opening of ballot bags in NA-122 constituency to probe allegations of poll rigging.

The 18-page verdict instructed a single-member commission, comprising Mian Ghulam Hussain, to check the records after opening ballot bags in NA-122 and recounting each vote cast in the constituency.

Read: ECP issues directive for vote recount in NA-122

The verdict ordered the verification of forms 14,15 and 16 issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan to the presiding officers in NA-122 constituency and added that all votes cast in the constituency would be verified through thumbprint impressions.

The court order states that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan deposit Rs500,000 for expenses incurred for the verification of votes in NA-122.

Read: NA-122: Imran testifies before Lahore election tribunal

MPA Mian Mohsin Latif, belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) and a close companion of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, had also submitted a petition for the opening of ballot bags.

Latif and another candidate were also ordered to submit Rs200,000 each as part of the expenses for checking the votes.

Also read: Rival workers disrupt NA-122 record scrutiny

In a short order issued on December 8, the election tribunal had accepted PTI Chairman Imran Khan's request for opening the ballot bags in constituency NA-122 to investigate allegations of rigging.

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khalid

Dec 10, 2014 01:16pm

So when will be the results shown? I don't expect any transparency but, God knows.........

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Mohammad Akhtar

Dec 10, 2014 01:27pm

At least if the counting is done properly it will show, was there any rigging or not? I am glad election tribunal had made right decision.

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Patriotic

Dec 10, 2014 01:44pm

Bye bye, Mr Speaker

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Naxalite

Dec 10, 2014 01:50pm

It would be much better for "Democracy" if winning party voluntarily consider probing NA-122.

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Zahra Farooq Rizvi

Dec 10, 2014 01:55pm

Imran Khan will never file any petition for probing of any constituency in Sindh.

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Qaisar

Dec 10, 2014 02:01pm

Why single member commission? how will we trust the findings of a single member commission?

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Yar Nawab

Dec 10, 2014 02:05pm

I hope I am wrong, Noon League may have already manipulated the records/votes/bags !!!

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Maqsood

Dec 10, 2014 02:06pm

Ab doodh ka doodh aur paani ka paani ho jai ga, agar ye sachaai se check howe.

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Shabbir

Dec 10, 2014 02:08pm

@Zahra Farooq Rizvi Imran will file a petition to null and void elections of whole Pakistan on the basis of rigging identified in this constituency. So, rest assured Sindh is still a part of Pakistan.

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Rainman

Dec 10, 2014 02:10pm

@Zahra Farooq Rizvi IK is going for Achilles heel no need to go for sindh. All will crumbling down.

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Shay

Dec 10, 2014 02:13pm

Bye bye Ayaz Rigger Sadiq

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Canadawala

Dec 10, 2014 02:14pm

What if inspection of ballot bags in NA-122 would expose the transparency of the 2013 general elections. If the judgement is that they were transparent than will IK accept? or will make another plan?

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batman

Dec 10, 2014 02:15pm

I would only believe in transparency if Imran niazi wins

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Janu Not-German

Dec 10, 2014 02:19pm

@khalid Define transparency? Imran Khan winning the election? PML N has been winning from majority of Lahore seats since 1990 whilst PTI only showed some sort of improvement in its performance in 2013.

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Nisar

Dec 10, 2014 02:24pm

@Zahra Farooq Rizvi Bhai it is not duty of Imran only even PML N can ask for recount and tranparency

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roarwali

Dec 10, 2014 02:44pm

Wait and see. Hope the recounting would be done in a transparent manner.

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hrk

Dec 10, 2014 03:20pm

Why one has to pay so much money to get votes verified. If the tribunal has concluded that there is a valid reason to verify votes, it should take the responsibility. Why people have to pay for incompetence of EC.

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Viking Star

Dec 10, 2014 03:21pm

Since we do not have any faith in state institutions, it would be better if the bags are opened in presence of representatives from both PTI and PML-N and the media. In this case, it would be the beginning of the end of PML-N.

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Khalidr

Dec 10, 2014 03:42pm

"The 18-page verdict instructed a single-member commission, comprising Mian Ghulam Hussain, to check the records after opening ballot bags in NA-122 and recounting each vote cast in the constituency" Seems fishy, single member, is this a joke, where is transparency, again we have to believe on this one person report.. seriously our all system is joke..

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Abu Musa

Dec 10, 2014 03:43pm

Assalamu Alaikum, I am neutral in politics and have no idea about politics in general but I can confirm to you that in sindh ( karachi and hyderabad to be specific) a lot cheating had been done. My relatives are government teacher and they were assigned to be election team in their respective areas. They told me that openly cheating is done and when tried to stop they gave threats Not a single doubt in my mind that cheating did not happen. Cheating did happen, was it in all election polling stations. I don't know. Was it in most of the election polling stations. I think yes (at least in karachi and hyderabd). An overseas Pakistani living in ksa and Pakistan is my country and I pray for peace and prosperity in Pakistan.. Sukarn

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Farah

Dec 10, 2014 03:44pm

Single-member commission????

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Asad Sultan

Dec 10, 2014 03:55pm

so if ayaz sadiq wins and remembering what ik said recently that he has trust in the tribunal. then what another U turn?

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Asif Raza

Dec 10, 2014 04:04pm

There is no way PTI is gonna accept the result if its not in their favor. It should have more than one person commission, atleast one from PTI. Just to make sure, everyone agrees on result before they open bags.

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THS

Dec 10, 2014 04:13pm

Any rigging in election 2013 in Punjab or any other part of PAkistan must be probed, ok good. What about Sindh? IMRAN and his party is observing a complete silence on the constituencies of Karachi where one of their most respectable activist has been slain for raising the voice on "Mass rigging".

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Khan

Dec 10, 2014 04:26pm

This case will extend more as N-league will challenge this decision in LHC and after that SC.

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Salman Tarik Kureshi

Dec 10, 2014 04:27pm

@Naxalite They already did. One of the petitions is by a PML-N member.

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Salman Tarik Kureshi

Dec 10, 2014 04:29pm

@Maqsood So, only the result you wish for will be considered 'saccha'?

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Erudite

Dec 10, 2014 04:30pm

Does anyone else remember what was happening in comsats a few months ago? I think this is fishy. Pmln would never have let such a judgement pass if the rigging was to be exposed.

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Raghu

Dec 10, 2014 04:33pm

@Zahra Farooq Rizvi Imran is cutting the biggest corruption branch first. Then he will come to the smaller branches later on.

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Robin

Dec 10, 2014 04:35pm

@batman I would believe only when Batman can really fly. Hahahah.

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Salman Tarik Kureshi

Dec 10, 2014 04:35pm

@batman This is precisely the problem with the IK fanatics. Please, sir, there are others in the universe, who may be neither IK nor NS supporters...but are nevertheless voters. If they can peacefully accept results contrary to their desires, why can't people like you?

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Humaun Kabir

Dec 10, 2014 04:51pm

NS is victim of it's own inner fear, for he knows the scale of rigging. Very much likely that results in NA122 are already manipulated as it's very difficult to imagine that current judiciary or election commission can give any decision, which can in any way, can harm current status quo mafia. In case NS is fully satisfied that after manipulation, results would be in his favor, recounting would take place, otherwise courts will grant stay order.

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Ahmed

Dec 10, 2014 04:53pm

Audit of the votes must be in transparent manner in the presence of PTI , PMLN. It will be Litmus test of both Tribunal Judge & Election Commision.

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M.M.Sherazi

Dec 10, 2014 04:55pm

It is justifiable re-action of the Speaker and it aligns with the terms of reference pertaining to the ruling of Supreme Court of Pakistan... things are being complicated in the deformed arena of politics in Pakistan...

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Lone Ranger

Dec 10, 2014 04:57pm

"Actions speak louder than the words". The panic by the speaker is self explanatory...

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Arslan

Dec 10, 2014 04:59pm

Why doesn't the Speaker spell out his entire message. He means to say that, or else I will have the 50 lake man appear "coincidentally" and pay you a visit. Or does Rana Sahab have other more valuable members in his gang who have yet to prove their worth?

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nadeem

Dec 10, 2014 05:01pm

How can you expect any justice in this country when speaker of national is trying every thing to get justice done

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Salman Tarik Kureshi

Dec 10, 2014 05:03pm

@Viking Star In case you are not aware of it, it is in the presence of representatives of all parties hat the ballots are counted, the bags filled and then sealed, in the first place.

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Rasheed

Dec 10, 2014 05:04pm

Ayaz Sadiq is already very popular in this area due to this charity hospital and has won election third time.

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Imran Khan

Dec 10, 2014 05:06pm

Real face of PMLN exposed by filing a petition against the tribunal judge!!!

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Javeed

Dec 10, 2014 05:10pm

Now opens the Pandora box! Why is the speaker scared to let the recounting happen. I guess simple logic, he may be send packing from assembly after recount. Every act of the so called electable makes it easy to understand the magnitude of rigging and fraud which has happen in the elections.

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Bilal

Dec 10, 2014 05:10pm

Mr. Sadiq's desperate efforts to stop recount/checking is an indication that something was definitely was dodgy in those polls.

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Laeeq,NY

Dec 10, 2014 05:11pm

Why honorable Speaker of the house is so afraid of recounting go the votes? Is there some thing fishy in his election?

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WeWillWin

Dec 10, 2014 05:13pm

Here we go again ... Why so scared ?

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Dec 10, 2014 05:15pm

It should also expose the number of bogus votes that were stamped after polling was over. This rigging mafia needs to be taken to the cleaners this time and for good. If it is proven that there was rigging and I am hoping that it does then PML-N will have no legitimacy left and mid-term will become imminent.

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aamir ismail

Dec 10, 2014 05:17pm

This is big achievement for PTI, which they demand to open 4 constituency now one is under scrutiny. Mr speaker why u take stay order from court ,If you thing you got the vote appropriately.

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aamir ismail

Dec 10, 2014 05:18pm

@Farah y u dont join

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pagrri Sanbhaal

Dec 10, 2014 05:20pm

Does this man has any shame? Is he fit for the chair of speaker?

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Sarmad

Dec 10, 2014 05:21pm

@Zahra Farooq Rizvi Really? He has already done that NA 256

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Patriot

Dec 10, 2014 05:28pm

@Shay Well said!!

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sid

Dec 10, 2014 05:29pm

This a golden opportunity for the Judiciary to redeem some of its Credibility. They should: 1. Throw out this petition 2. Take action against the petitioner and Lawyer for even bringing this petition to court 3. Ensure the re-count is done independently and results made public in the next couple of days If they can do all 3 satisfactorily, then people will start to believe in the Judiciary.

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sid

Dec 10, 2014 05:30pm

@Naxalite LOL... if only this was possible in Pakistan!

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Ajamal

Dec 10, 2014 05:35pm

PML-N will never accept any vote verification. Even if there is an audit of election results, PML-N will go the Supreme Court and get the required stay orders - for the length of their government.

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Arshad Ali

Dec 10, 2014 05:36pm

Why this constituncey only? All four heavily rigged constituncies including this one must be opened and votes be recounted besides verified from NADRA. Phir dodh ka dodh awr pani ka pani ho jaiga if not manipulated by PMLN and its thugs so.

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Khan

Dec 10, 2014 05:50pm

Right decision by Tribunal.

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M. Siddique

Dec 10, 2014 05:56pm

The fuss on ordering the only opening and not counting of ballot bags yet? When counting will take place?

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M. Hassan

Dec 10, 2014 05:57pm

Bye bye Mr. Speaker.

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Dec 10, 2014 05:58pm

It's time for you Mr. to leave. If you are concerned then there is something fishy ...

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A Pakistani

Dec 10, 2014 05:58pm

Lol, PML N is ruling Pakistan .. by going at a war against Pakistan.

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Usman

Dec 10, 2014 06:04pm

If there is no rigging why Mr. Ayaz Sadiq is worried. I don't understand.

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Real Khan

Dec 10, 2014 06:12pm

why is he shielding himself behind stay orders and refiling for appeals....i know its his right but let the people know that you are clean and there isnt any garbage in those ballot bags if otherwise is the case.

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Yousuf

Dec 10, 2014 06:14pm

Their dubious behavior has already confirmed the open secret. How one can call this a demoracy without free and fair elections? IK is right when he give examples of dictators like Hosni Mubarak who also get "elected" through people's mandate.

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Abid

Dec 10, 2014 06:20pm

Sadiq is trying to hide behind another stay order, again! IK was right when he said that Ayaz Sadiq is using delay tactics.

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Abdul Basit

Dec 10, 2014 06:26pm

Good keep it up Khan

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Ali

Dec 10, 2014 06:28pm

@Zahra Farooq Rizvi - why don't u do that?

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Dr. Sadaf

Dec 10, 2014 06:30pm

@Yar Nawab , that is my biggest fear also, hope PTI realizes this , otherwise why would they agree to open the bags. They have everybody in their pocket.

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Dr. Sadaf

Dec 10, 2014 06:32pm

@Shay , are you sure it will be a bye bye, they are champions of rigging. My gut feeling is that they have already tampered with the results and all this is an eye wash to make IK look bad.

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Yousuf47 UK

Dec 10, 2014 06:33pm

Speaker Sadiq is guilty by his deeds unless proven innocent a phrase applicable to Pakistan where its Speaker who chairs an elite chamber of law makers to wrongfully hide behind the Court system to prevent the truth to be exposed an abuse of process but the truth will eventually be exposed. It may be in the interest of democracy, Sadiq and his other 3 colleagues should resign or face the consequences that is likely to follow.

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Pakistan First

Dec 10, 2014 06:35pm

Editor don't like my comments, because these are based on truth, and we all know that truth is always a truth.

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Ghani K

Dec 10, 2014 06:35pm

Beginning of new soap opera - If Ayaz Sadiq is sure of his victory in last election, why is he afraid of recounting & verification of votes ?

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mss

Dec 10, 2014 06:39pm

From the above news what I gather is that sadiq ayaz does not want to clarify the matter because he must see the next decision of the election commission first and then if he is not satisfied , he should file the case in SC .

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Pakistani

Dec 10, 2014 07:06pm

@khalid so by tansperncy u mean favouring imran khan

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Arslan

Dec 10, 2014 07:10pm

@Erudite I agree. Unfortunately truth has an inconvenient way of coming out. I "understand" why the Speaker would like to muzzle the judge.

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SK-Pakistani

Dec 10, 2014 07:23pm

@Janu Not-German IK is not asking to make declare him a winner. He is asking a very simple thing which is his constitutional right to just simply recount the votes and verify what is true and what is false. What is not understandable is if PMLN was winning since ever and it believes that it will win forever; then what is the reason for being so reluctant to open the bag and make it DOODH KA DOODH AND PANI KA PANI. simple; isnt it?

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JUSTICE

Dec 10, 2014 07:24pm

Ayas Sadiq know that he cheated in election, still trying to hide taking advantage of legal system to stop recount. Any honest person would try to prove volunteering that he is innocent & he has nothing hide. Supreme court of Pakistan should declare 2013 election null & void, punish those who cheated.

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a ali

Dec 10, 2014 07:25pm

govt is nose-diving, crashing on all fronts, being decimated and wiped out in oblivion.

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shoukat

Dec 10, 2014 07:38pm

Ayaz sadiq is just using delaying tactics so that ruling party gets time to manipulate the bags even after elections. Election reforms are must in Pakistan and any party who is not interested in election reforms is simply not sincere with Pakistan. Ayaz sadiq is just showing the nation that how big a loser he is.

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mian

Dec 10, 2014 07:42pm

Mr speaker because of your delaying tactics against investigations, now we are sure you are standing on wrong side. you are trying to hide your cheating in elections.it is lowest level of morality we are witnessing now. just let the tribunal complete investigations if you did not do anything wrong.we are ashamed to have a person like you on a respectable post of National assembly speaker.

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Mustafa

Dec 10, 2014 07:47pm

Ayaz will try his best to get a stay order from a 'friendly' judge. Till how long can he and PMLN hide behind such prolonging tactics? It is very unethical and unmoral

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Usman

Dec 10, 2014 07:49pm

@SK-Pakistani Yes Why they are afraid.

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Asad

Dec 10, 2014 07:52pm

Is there a need of counting now ? God bless PMLN

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farid

Dec 10, 2014 08:17pm

Why is he afraid of recount and verification? Because he is a thief.

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Zafar

Dec 10, 2014 08:25pm

Yes, let's take another year and a half to determine "maintainability".

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Dec 10, 2014 09:20pm

Why is he hiding behind another stay order, after the tribunal has ordered the recounting.

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zak

Dec 10, 2014 10:02pm

Why is Ayaz Sadiq the speaker of house, the symbol of integrity, running around trying to stop the recount. Where is the confidence.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Dec 10, 2014 10:05pm

What else can he do to save his seat?

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Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali

Dec 10, 2014 10:44pm

What is he afraid of.

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bkt

Dec 10, 2014 11:01pm

Well at least they have decided to count the votes. But there are 3 more constituencies to go. It is a perfectly legitimate right to ask for vote verification.

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Imran

Dec 10, 2014 11:29pm

A judge being tried for contempt. Should happen more often.

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ziavrep labqi

Dec 10, 2014 11:34pm

Have a heart, Mr. Ayaz Sadiq. You cannot stave off the inevitable for long. What has to happen, will happen. You have already proved that there are skeletons in your cupboard.

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hyat

Dec 11, 2014 12:01am

@Abu Musa that isnot new in sindh, if cheating happend in islamabad, lahore or else then you can be sure that it 100% happened in sindh as well as karachi.

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Sana Batool

Dec 11, 2014 12:07am

Honorable speaker please don't be afraid. Face it like a gentleman. Truth can not be hidden for long.

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Dr.M.M.Khan

Dec 11, 2014 12:16am

What are you afraid of Mr. Speaker-? the TRUTH

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rashid siddiqui

Dec 11, 2014 12:17am

Ayyaz Sadiq seems to be stricken with panic. If he has nothing to hide then why is he fighting tooth and nail to prevent a recount? One honest judge can bring on a revolution in this country. The tinder waits to be ignited.

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Bman

Dec 11, 2014 01:25am

He he he... I am enjoying the noonies coming up with all sorts of excuses and justifications to avaoid opening of ballot boxes.

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ziavrep labqi

Dec 11, 2014 01:29am

@Rasheed This time he " won " through rigging, like many of his other colleagues in the assembly. Else, why would he try to hide behind stay orders? Whom is he trying to fool ?

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Karachite

Dec 11, 2014 01:36am

Well, I don't think he could challenge this decision because this is not the decision of the court in anyone's favour until final decision comes. Hope IK wins!

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kirther

Dec 11, 2014 01:51am

All PML-N moves are proving their guilt of wrong doings? Tax payers money is being used by the government for their defence which should not be permitted by the public at any cost--the present government set-up cannot be considered democratic and honest.

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p r sharma

Dec 11, 2014 04:04am

@roarwali counting and recounting are both done in the presence of the representatives of all the contestants of the constituencies. so it has to be transparent.

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Lost Lakha

Dec 11, 2014 06:26am

Mr. Ayaz Sadiq, let the truth come out, if you really are a winner, than why worry about your being heard or not by the tribunal! Did you not call PTI's resigning members in person to verify authenticity of all the resignation that were sumitted?

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Syed A

Dec 11, 2014 06:46am

Delaying tactics expose the intent of the rulers. Why are they averse to getting the ballots checked?

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Dec 11, 2014 07:14am

This action of the National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq is ridiculous! Why you try to hide the justice behind the lines of laws. He shall understand that he is there to serve the people of Pakistan and not to himself. So disgusting it is to see such behaviour of our ministers! He shall realize now that he has become the most unpopular speaker of the NA in the history. So, whats the point to be the speaker now. Please retire yourself from this post at least. Is there none PML(N) ministers or the supporters to please show him the door. And loudly say enough is enough. Too much of letting down of PML(N) because of him. Please save PML(N) for the sake of democracy by removing ministers like Ayaz Sadiq.

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ziavrep labqi

Dec 11, 2014 07:23am

@Sana Batool Like NS and SS, he thinks he can continue to fool the people.

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Dr chachar

Dec 11, 2014 07:50am

You will remain defeated Imran niazi.z

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sami

Dec 11, 2014 09:16am

why feeling fear Mr Sadiq, if you are an astute person then goahead and face the results.

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Mansoor ahmed

Dec 11, 2014 09:44am

No way, no counting scenario in karachi, as secret agreement b/ween MQM n shaikh sb @ 90.

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Humayun A Khan

Dec 11, 2014 10:17am

@Zahra Farooq Rizvi Becasue he knew his party strength in Sindh and Punjab. Even in the election campaign, His target was punjab which puts a party in ruling position.

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Asim Iqbal

Dec 12, 2014 11:47am

hmmm! dal mein kuch kala hai!

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Kanwarch

Dec 13, 2014 01:02am

Nothing to hide Mr Speaker then. What a big joke this man is making Pakistan

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ZULFIQAR ALI

Dec 13, 2014 02:13am

Apparently decision looks one sided or biased,as the Speaker has the reservation.It was important for a judge to listen both parties before giving any decision.On other hand NA Speaker if reacts on decision,should keep in mind that he is from ruling party who has to manifest with open heart & mind.If in the larger interest of country the decision is taken than it must be obeyed wholeheartedly.

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ZULFIQAR ALI

Dec 13, 2014 02:18am

If decision is taken impartially to avoid present political turmoil than it must be given respect and obeyed. The other point of view of ignoring other party is also revealing not a good omen.All decision must come in the larger interest of the country.

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