ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of a disqualification reference against PTI opposition leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan until June 24, accepting his request for more time to appoint legal counsel and participate in the upcoming federal budget session.
The case was heard by a five-member bench of the ECP, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. During the proceedings, Ayub appeared before the commission and informed the bench that although he had received a copy of the reference, he had yet to appoint a lawyer. Citing his responsibilities as a member of the National Assembly’s Finance Committee, Ayub requested that the hearing be postponed until July to allow him to adequately prepare his defence.
ECP Sindh Member Nisar Durrani, however, reminded the bench that Speaker references must be disposed of within a constitutionally mandated 90-day period. Following deliberations, the ECP granted a short adjournment, setting the next hearing date for June 24.
Ayub’s legal team also sought additional time to submit a formal reply and prepare arguments, which the commission allowed. Notably, at a prior hearing, the petitioner, Babar Nawaz, had also requested time to prepare his case.
Speaking to the media outside the ECP, Omar Ayub criticised the submission process of the reference, stating that the National Assembly Speaker forwarded the case without due consultation or scrutiny. “The Speaker sent the reference in haste, without any discussion or merit,” he claimed.
Ayub, who defeated Babar Nawaz in the 2018 general elections by a margin of 40,000 votes, further noted that a similar petition had already been dismissed by the Abbottabad High Court. He emphasized that with the federal budget session approaching, he should be given sufficient time to present his case effectively.
“The month of June is critical due to budgetary responsibilities. I must be granted the opportunity to defend myself with full preparation,” he said.
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