ISLAMABAD – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Wednesday hinted thatit might seek assistance from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) andother intelligence agencies to investigate alleged horse-trading in theSenate election held on March 3.
The five-member commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza, heard the suo moto notice which it had takenon March 6 after horse-trading allegations were levelled by somepoliticians in media.The commission had summoned eight parliamentarians for assistance in thecase.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Muttahida QaumiMovement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Farooq Sattar were represented by theircounsel while Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting, NationalHistory and Literary Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb appeared in person.
During the course of proceedings, the CEC observed that buying and sellingof votes was a crime and it was unfortunate that both the sellers andbuyers were parliamentarians.
He said political parties should assist the ECP in the case.PTI chief’s lawyer, Shahid Gondal told the ECP that the party had alreadyformed a committee to investigate horse-trading and would submit a finalreport after completion of the inquiry.The ECP adjourned the case till April 4.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Ameer Muqam also attended theproceedings. – APP /AFP