Rigging allegations baseless, says Ayaz Sadiq

E-Paper | April 29, 2026

LAHORE: While recording his statement before an election tribunal in Lahore on Saturday over alleged rigging in the NA-122 constituency, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan's allegations against him are baseless.

He rejected the allegations levelled against him and said that the NA-122 constituency had seen fair and transparent polls. The NA speaker added that even after a re-count was carried out, he had won 8,500 votes more than Imran.

Ayaz Sadiq had defeated Imran Khan in the 2013 general elections from NA-122 and the PTI had challenged the results. NA-122 is one of the four constituencies where the party had sought a recount and verification of voters' thumb impressions.

Later, speaking to media representatives, Sadiq said: "The case is sub judice, I am not the judge nor is Imran Khan. Justice Kazim Ali Malik will decide and that decision will be based on evidence not hopes".

Also read: Plea against NA-122 commission rejected

Earlier this month, the election tribunal had turned down Imran's plea for action against a commission that inspected records of the 2013 election. The PTI chief had also sought re-inspection of the record of certain polling stations in the constituency won by Sadiq. Disposing of the application, tribunal’s member Kazim Ali Malik had said it was premature for the PTI leader to seek re-inspection.

Know more: Claim, counter-claim by govt, PTI about recount for NA-122

Last month, Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid had claimed that victory margin of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq had ‘increased’ after a vote recount in Lahore’s NA-122 constituency.

Making a counter-claim, PTI had said that ‘polling fraud has been exposed’ after the vote recount, and had urged the National Assembly to ‘prepare resignation’ of the speaker.

Reacting to allegations levelled by PTI chief that some 30,000 bogus votes had been found in the polling bags during the scrutiny of votes, Sadiq had advised Imran Khan to wait for the official verdict of the election tribunal.

Take a look: Commission confirms irregularities in NA-122

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Amin Ansari

Feb 07, 2015 02:17pm

It was not a re-count Mr. Speaker. It has been an audit so far. At your position you should know the difference. Audit found massive irregularties on which the tribunal has to decide. Not count or re-count as yet.

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Ali

Feb 07, 2015 02:18pm

do we trust?

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Paggri Sanbhaal

Feb 07, 2015 02:19pm

Yes we know you.

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anees zaidvi

Feb 07, 2015 02:21pm

We know very well whose statement to believe and whose not to believe.

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Nisar Ahmad

Feb 07, 2015 02:29pm

Speaker NA a thorough gentleman has been put to media trial by IK and his henchmen. Irregularitie will be in every constituency even where IK has won .For mistakes of EC the winner cannot be penalized. Staff that committed mistakes be made answerable and system should be improved.

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Basit Khan

Feb 07, 2015 02:30pm

Imran Khan has either started believing his own lies or does not have the moral courage to admit that he was wrong on the issue. Mr. Khan, come on admit your mistake. Nothing will happen, it's just another u-turn for you.

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Awais Ali

Feb 07, 2015 02:31pm

Oh nice thank you for informing. You remind me again Pervaiz Rashid. By the way why were you hiding behind the stay since election 2013 if there was no rigging?

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bkt

Feb 07, 2015 02:35pm

If it is as simple as this, then why take so long to complete all 4 constituencies? Is it incompetence or laziness?

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anees zaidvi

Feb 07, 2015 02:37pm

@Basit Khan - Where do you live? Uganda?

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Zaheer

Feb 07, 2015 02:39pm

PMLn won fair and square. Heck the speaker even beats liar khan at charisma and intellect. Just listen to the two speak, the speaker is calm, well spoken and intellectual while the liar Khan is a lot of hue and cry and name calling. I used to support Imran Khan once upon a time, but then I had not seen this name belittling anyone who dares to have a difference of opinion side of him.

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Awais Ali

Feb 07, 2015 02:48pm

@Basit Khan What is IK,s mistake? He exposed rigging 1st time in Pakistan,s history? 34 thousands bogus votes due to irregularities? How to defend 34 thousand bogus votes? what about forensic report which shows all signatures of presiding officers were done by 1 man? what is that? Where IK is wrong? its you who still wrong and will remain and will not agree to give people at least their power of Vote.

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Riazullah Baig

Feb 07, 2015 02:48pm

In response to Pervaiz Rasheed's statement in which he asked IK, which dictator was the best amongst Hitler, Saddam and Qaddafi, I would say, Zia (NS's godfather was the best or worst),

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Riazullah Baig

Feb 07, 2015 02:50pm

@Nisar Ahmad Thorough gentleman hiding behind a stay order?? Staff's irregularities should be accepted if the result is in your favour? Nonsense approach

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Riazullah Baig

Feb 07, 2015 02:51pm

@Basit Khan Spine doctors of NS and mafia league

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Awais Ali

Feb 07, 2015 02:53pm

@Zaheer So you judge the person on the bases of serenity? if this is your standard then Zardari is most quite person in all politicians. Just look at your standard of judgement. By the way what about pervaiz Rashid on the behalf of speaker who politicize every issue? and how you defend 34000 bogus votes in the name of irregularities and forensic report which show all signatures of presiding officers were done by same person????

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Ahmed saeed

Feb 07, 2015 03:02pm

Mr speaker hopefully you are a man of integrity. pls step down if the matter is in court.

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Harmony

Feb 07, 2015 03:14pm

Your claim that "rigging allegations are baseless" is itself baseless!

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roarwali

Feb 07, 2015 03:20pm

It was a recount and not an audit. So we don't know officially whose side got the 30000 fake votes but then everyone knows the reality.

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salman

Feb 07, 2015 03:21pm

@Nisar Ahmad Actually in 2008 a winning candidate was disqualified when after investigation it was discovered that vote counterfoils were not signed. So there is a precedent there...

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jaki

Feb 07, 2015 03:23pm

If you are loyal to Pakistan let neutral judges in presence of media and army verify votes.

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Mian Shahid Mehmood

Feb 07, 2015 03:24pm

After judicial verdict, IK should rethink his strategy of howling cry on election rigging in NA-121. IK has the remedy of appeal before the next forum against the decision of election tribunal. IK is loosing credibility due to his habit of cry hoarse on this issue now.

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Ranjit

Feb 07, 2015 03:34pm

As people as courts.

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Irrelevant

Feb 07, 2015 03:46pm

@Amin Ansari Fair point. However, given the low literacy rates, how many people do you think will understand the term 'Audit'? For clarity and to ensure the common man can understand, the phrase 're-count' is a reasonable substitute.

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Dr. Khan

Feb 07, 2015 03:49pm

Let the court and judges decide; not the parties in the case or their lunatic supporters!

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public

Feb 07, 2015 03:53pm

@Nisar Ahmad you mean rigging should be blamed on EC which would mean Nawaz Sharif and Shabaz Sharif who controlled entire Punjab Civil Services and had the support of Adhoc CM Sethi and supremo Iftikhar Chaudhery who handled EC appointments. So by implication you imply that these are the persons responsible. Indeed who would disagree.Shabaz Sharif addresses his Provincial Officials before Elections date and told them he would be back soon. This is on record. Amazing confidence. I am a witness to what happened in NA-125. Saad Rafique should be the most worried man as should be Ayaz Sadiq who behaved like an amature when he appeared before Hon'ble Election Tribunal

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Azmeen

Feb 07, 2015 03:58pm

Audit includes re-count. Our politicians should grow up and wait for the election tribunal decision. One can find bogus votes in any constituency due to poor election system in Pakistan. Only solution is to reform the entire election process. No more allegations of rigging against each other.

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Husain Jan

Feb 07, 2015 04:21pm

As always..the speaker is misleading the masses and also trying to mislead the court too. On the one hand he says the election in his constituency was "fair and transparent" and on the other hand says"it is for the election tribunal to decide". Two different statements in one breath !! And he is "The Speaker" of the national assembley !! One can easily imagine how he must be handing the assembly affairs in a fair manner.

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Shakil Khan

Feb 07, 2015 04:24pm

Ayaz Sadiq and beat Imran Khan in his home constituency! that must be very transparent .... rigging!

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Shakil Khan

Feb 07, 2015 04:26pm

If counting the fake votes termed as transparent, then sure you have won!

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Laksh

Feb 07, 2015 04:34pm

In NA-122 clear-cut and glaring irregularities have been discovered, tabulated and submitted by EC to the Chief Election Commissioner.These so called irregularities are good enough reasons to make election suspect.Therefore it warrants to be declared null and void, irrespective of the fact who were the contesting candidates.

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resa

Feb 07, 2015 04:35pm

I am glad he finally is staining up for him self as Imran Khan has no limits with his accusations and twist and turns every thing in to his favor . He thinks with his so called carisma he can fool every one and some one has to stop this nonsense.

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public

Feb 07, 2015 04:37pm

@Ahmed saeed, Speaker does not talk to strangers. This is what Head Master Nawaz told him about integrity.

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Rasheed Ahmad

Feb 07, 2015 04:39pm

Can someone besides a Judge of the Pakistan Supreme Court explain the subtle difference between irregularities and rigging. Dr Rasheed Ahmad

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Mehtab

Feb 07, 2015 04:39pm

Then why you are scared for judicial commission ?

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kaiser

Feb 07, 2015 04:53pm

Can some please, for the love of God, explain to the Speaker of the Republic of Pakistan that there is a difference between a recount and an audit. This joker doesent seem to know the difference.

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Riaz

Feb 07, 2015 05:00pm

@Amin Ansari Can we wait for the verdict before giving own biased views please.

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Riaz

Feb 07, 2015 05:01pm

@Ali We need to learn to trust until unless we have evidence otherwise. Lets wait for the judgement.

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junaid

Feb 07, 2015 05:09pm

Its an audit Einstein.Not a recount. Even ECP officially declared its an audit. In 2008 the supreme court removed an MP from office because counter foils in his constituency were not signed.

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Riaz

Feb 07, 2015 05:23pm

@Rasheed Ahmad It is not difficult to understand sir. Rigging is manipulation of the votes through individual or organised act. It may involve bogus votes or opponent's voters not allowed to cast their votes by the activists of one of the candidates etc. etc. Polling staff may or may not be involved but is generally aware of the situation. Irregularities are mainly caused due to the mistake of the polling staff and/or voters that is affixing stamp/thumb impression at a place common to two candidates or in the space not meant for any candidate etc. So, such votes are to be cancelled and not awarded to any candidate. Such votes must be there in all constituencies and must have been disregarded. No candidate can be blamed for such error. Winner is the candidate who gets maximum valid votes. The main problem is that it is very difficult to accept own fault. It needs a lot of courage but if you have the courage to accept your mistake, it raises your stature. Why should we support or oppose results on the basis of liking/disliking. We should try to support the truth but not join media trial of anyone. All the politicians are same, some believe in attractive slogans though they may not be realistic, while others may be quiet workers.

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azi

Feb 07, 2015 05:27pm

Mr bogus speaker quit defending your seat

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farhad

Feb 07, 2015 05:33pm

two liars Ayaz Sadiq / Parvez Rasheed ... on the tether hooks to retain their positions. bring out the true result of recounting.

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saf

Feb 07, 2015 05:34pm

PTI and I should keep the pressure on for the next 3 years, the government might survive bit they won't dare to rig another election knowing IK is not a man who will just put his head down and accept rigging.

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Merchant

Feb 07, 2015 05:49pm

@Nisar Ahmad this is the purpose of this audit. Evidence of irregularities and bad influence has been found and early indications are that Ayaz Sadiq was part of the culprit team. His dismissal will be a lesson for other corrupt politicians and there are too many in Pakistan.

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Mohammad

Feb 07, 2015 05:58pm

@Zaheer You are another heartless ignorant Pakistani Can't you see a fraudulent product of establishment Sharif and Zardari family Stand up for your rights You have to go in your own grave Dont stand up for fraud and dishonest people

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Syed Ganga Din

Feb 07, 2015 06:16pm

Instead of entertaining this loser, government needs to concentrate on several other issues facing the country. Some of them may even jeopardize the integrity of Pakistan or whatever is left of it.

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Zaheer Hassan

Feb 07, 2015 06:31pm

What a Shame, even after Irregularities have been found, the speaker instead of resigning is continuing to insist as if nothing bad happened. He is in complete Denial. He is a Glaring example of the Corrupt System.

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Azmeen

Feb 07, 2015 06:32pm

@Basit Khan You are correct.

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Ahmed Saeed

Feb 07, 2015 06:37pm

@public They talk to much of integrity in National Assembly. I though he follows the line.

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Owais Mangal

Feb 07, 2015 06:52pm

@Nisar Ahmad Are you Muslim?

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fida sayani USA

Feb 07, 2015 07:00pm

@jaki Neutral Judges and honest media and Generals, they do not exist in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

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Lyra

Feb 07, 2015 07:03pm

Corruption runs in the veins of Pakistan. So anything can be proved, whenever required!!!

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fida sayani USA

Feb 07, 2015 07:05pm

@kaiser Correction. He is the speaker of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. What does he know about ethics, law and constitution.

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fida sayani USA

Feb 07, 2015 07:05pm

@kaiser Correction. He is the speaker of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. What does he know about ethics, law and constitution.

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Key Points

Feb 07, 2015 07:08pm

Yes, this unfortunate state of 'democratic pakistan. Whole country is hijacked-by slogans. Politicians keep fighting, no time to build more industries to create jobs for unemployed. Very hard to find honest and dedicated politicians. No control on terrorists, target killers, bhatta khores or bori ki mar criminals. Politicians busy giving useless speeches, blame games, making deals and ofcourse making lot of money. Just like politics becomming the best profession for influence peddling for lot of money. May Almighty destroy selfish greedy politicians.

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Feb 07, 2015 08:06pm

Oh yes, we did spot-fixing! But we also won the match.

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Syed Ahmed, Canada.

Feb 07, 2015 08:08pm

If the NA-122 constituency had seen fair and transparent polls what was the necessity of obtaining restraining order? Whom is Mr. Ayaz Sadiq fool around.

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sid

Feb 07, 2015 08:09pm

@Dr. Khan Court and Judges have been complicit in all this. This whole process is neither transparent or fair. Waste of time and money. If everyone was serious about solving this issue, they would appoint PWC to conduct a full audit and present their findings to "Independent" judges (from different countries) to rule on the matter. This is only because our own Judiciary has been implicated in helping to rig the elections.

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sid

Feb 07, 2015 08:14pm

It's not clear whether the re-count included the bogus/suspect votes or not. Strip out the bogus/suspect votes and lets see who wins then?.. If Mr Sadiq still wins, well done, if not, step down. Simple.

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Faruk chowhdry

Feb 07, 2015 08:14pm

Mr Speaker do you think you can win against IMRAN ? No chance in hundred year, why not have re-election on NA122?

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Pakistan First

Feb 07, 2015 08:45pm

Then why you were hiding in Stay Orders, and the Judge who gave stay order, must be put on trial, this is NOT his area. Pakistan is a strange Country, where with doubt you can lead the country, like PML N, 2013 Elections (all parties shouted about rigging) and still leading the country, what a Democracy?

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MJK

Feb 07, 2015 08:50pm

Imran K - You are wasting time, Punjab belongs to Sharifs & their cronies. Election commission will prolong the case next 3 years, giving enough time to PML(N) to complete 5 years in the government.

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Feb 07, 2015 08:50pm

The Speaker of NA is no doubt a very hard working politician who has served his constituency well until May 2013 - Unfortunately, he has chosen to be the servant of Sharif brothers and now has accepted to be a part and parcel of the corrupt system. As leader in NA, he has had the opportunity to introduce legislation for reforms in the system (Bureaucracy, Judiciary etc.) but he has done nothing since 2013 which demonstrates his commitment to the same old system. The question of rigging has to be decided by a Tribunal which is also a part of the same decaying system. Ayaz Sadiq, we know you as a good man so wake up and do your job which is an opportunity from Allah for you to serve this Nation - Please live up to your conscious. You may never have this opportunity again

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sami ullah swati

Feb 07, 2015 09:14pm

Cant believe he is giving a verdict even before the verdict of the court

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Mahrukh

Feb 07, 2015 09:16pm

Maybe if I say it over and over again, it might come true. -logic that Ayaz Sadiq is applying

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Observer

Feb 07, 2015 09:19pm

What planet AS lives on? Rigged Planet?

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Monim, USA

Feb 07, 2015 09:24pm

I wish the judiciary was independent! and strong enough to pass judgment without bias and fear. When it comes to sentencing the terrorist, they are afraid, when it comes to the politicians and their corruption, the extra perks and privileges do the job but in all this, only group that suffers the most, people (poor). When the judges will realize and be a little brave, most of the problems of Pakistan will be resolved. Otherwise they will be irrelevant and another party will replace them.

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Rabiya

Feb 07, 2015 09:29pm

Speaker wake up.

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zafar

Feb 07, 2015 09:29pm

There is a report out from the election tribunal. Ayaz Sadiq (or rather unSadiq) should try to respond to the charges in the report. He is a direct beneficiary of this farce, and hence can't just whisk away these charges through mere statements.

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Lucky Star

Feb 07, 2015 09:31pm

@Amin Ansari Nonsense, you and IK both live in fools paradise. Overseas Pakistanis who invested heavily in K are on the losing end, and hope, you will take loss with grace.

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Whatisinname

Feb 07, 2015 09:37pm

Pictures speak loads of truth! The two faces in the picture above show the one severely rugged and rigged face, not difficult to make-out.

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Lucky Star

Feb 07, 2015 09:40pm

@Awais Ali One plasuableexplantio: 34000 bogus votes are votes cast by people who eithe cannot read or write, and don't even knw how to use thumb impression and the same goes with the election staff. These 34000 votes were not used for any candidate, and form the valid, IK lost but, people like you will not undersatnd that. Anyway, Ik is loser in tis election and so are his suppores like yurself.

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Lucky Star

Feb 07, 2015 09:44pm

@kaiser You are the only one know the difference between audit and recount.- :). If company passes the audit, compamy passes. So, for your information, using the same logic, audit is showing that Speaker has won fair and square.

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Samad Chaudhry

Feb 07, 2015 09:48pm

Do criminals ever say that they have done it?

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Adeel

Feb 07, 2015 09:51pm

Speak true

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Riaz

Feb 07, 2015 10:02pm

@saf Sorry sir, may I ask whether the rigging has been proven, or whether the polls were conducted by the present government? We need to be realistic to improve.

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catherine

Feb 07, 2015 10:17pm

Factor that 8,000 some odd votes were mis counted tells me that a revote needs to happen in such a small place like Pakistan.

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zafar

Feb 07, 2015 10:18pm

Why is he making such statements when commision is still investigating !!?

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NAZ

Feb 07, 2015 10:23pm

people who do not appriciate IK deserve living without gas,water,electricity and security!!!

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Parvez

Feb 07, 2015 10:40pm

I for one....do not believe the speaker.

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String

Feb 07, 2015 10:43pm

IK is struggling hard to bring good elections .... I hope He will win in Pak although it is hard battle and will have so many difficulties.. . . .Issue is people did not came out against rulling party in sit in , therefore this struggle will go long . . our nation is like that .. I love you. I hate you. I like you. I hate you. I love you. I think you’re stupid. I think you’re a loser. I think you’re wonderful. I want to be with you. I don’t want to be with you. I would never date you. I hate you. I love you…..I think the madness started the moment we met and you shook my hand. Did you have a disease or something?

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Feb 07, 2015 11:32pm

What a serious joke?

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Mehmana

Feb 07, 2015 11:34pm

Speaker please go home.

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pathanoo

Feb 08, 2015 12:18am

Before any resolution can be achieved; the next election will be over head.

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Zoab Khan

Feb 08, 2015 12:32am

1/3 of the votes were fake votes and Ayaz Sadiq says the allegations are baseless. LOLLLLLLLLLLLL. Recall that the MQM guy caught in Baldia Town fire also claimed he had voted some 30,000 times... Any doubt why Pakistan and the word "incompetence" have become synonymous. Take out the bogus votes and who wins?

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Qazi Zarak

Feb 08, 2015 03:58am

One question to those people who say Ayaz Sadiq was hiding behind stay orders. What would you say if someone comes and says your matric certificate is not valid because you had cheated in the matriculation exam. Would you immediately agree for investigation or you would say 'what non-sense? first let him show on which basis he is saying this'. Obviously, it is your right and Ayaz Sadiq did so. In fact, he is not hiding behind stay orders but Imran Khan is hiding behind rigging allegations. But finally, it is proved that he is a loser.

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A. Khan

Feb 08, 2015 05:49am

Recounting will not eliminate any bogus votes that have been stuffed into ballot boxes. Does out Speaker engage his brain before opening his mouth ?

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asad

Feb 08, 2015 06:16am

@Awais Ali can imran also tell the people of pakistan,who are those people,who rigged his family in late sixty"s.what is actual relationship of Ch.Nisar with imran.

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Ahmed saeed

Feb 08, 2015 07:10am

@ ranjit. No angels in India.

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khurshid

Feb 08, 2015 08:13am

@Nisar Ahmad haha what stupid argument

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Adil Jadoon

Feb 09, 2015 07:33am

What else do you expect him to say? that he is a fraud! we all know that.

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