ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday disqualified Adil Bazai, a Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)-backed ‘PML-N lawmaker’ from Quetta over ‘floor-crossing’.

Announcing its reserved verdicts, the Election Commission upheld the two references filed by Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq seeking Mr Bazai’s disqualification for violating party’s policy.

The ECP stated that Mr Bazai failed to cast his vote on the 26th Constitu­tional Amendment Bill and Finance Bill contrary to party directions.

“The record shows that at the time of presentation of 26th constitutional amendment and voting upon it, the respondent was affiliated with PML-N and admission has been made on part of the respondent during the course of hearing that he has not given vote on the amendment as per the party direction issued on 19.10.2024.

Upholds two references filed by NA speaker seeking Adil Bazai’s disqualification

“He has also not given the reply of show-cause notice nor has challenged the same on any other forum.”

The respondent has also made admission during the hearing before the Commission that he has not given vote during the Finance Bill 2024 (Money Bill) from PML-N side while his status in the Commission and in the record of National Assembly of Pakistan is clearly shown him affiliated with PML-N, it said.

“The declaration is confirmed and the Respondent cease[s] to be the member of the National Assembly and his seat has become vacant. The Respondent has also made admission before the Commission that he has not voted during the Constitutional Amendment from PML-N side while his status in the Commission and in the record of National Assembly of Pakistan clearly shows him affiliated with PML-N.

“In light of the above findings, it is established and concluded that after being elected as independent Candidate, the Respondent joined PML-N… and that he has acted contrary to the directions issued by the Parliamentary Party… and did not vote in relation to the 26th Constitutional Amendment,” one of the two separate orders said.

The counsel for the respondent had argued that Mr Bazai never joined PML-N and, therefore, no question of his defection or disqualification arose.

He had also sought forensic audit of what he called fake and fabricated affidavit showing Mr Bazai joining PML-N.

The counsel for the respondent stated that he has also filed a complaint against the issuance of fake affidavit bearing No. C592106 and seeking punishment for the culprits.

The counsel also highlighted that three separate hand writings have been used in the affidavit and there is no record of issuance of affidavit and no signature exists on the back of it.

The Election Commission of Pakistan’s order, however, said the report has no binding effect upon the Commission.

Published in Dawn, November 22th, 2024