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Business Recorder
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
‘PTI lawmakers' convictions still stand': ECP rejects Barrister Gohar's claim
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has refuted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan's assertion regarding the status of three disqualified legislators, stressing that their convictions have not been set aside. The election commission said this in response to Barrister Gohar's blaming the ECP of being biased towards the PTI, asserting that disqualification of his party's leaders was another reflection of the alleged prejudice. Upon disqualification of Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, MNA Ahmed Chattha, and Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, the PTI chairman said they were de-notified under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, without going into whether their convictions by the anti-terrorism court (ATC) Sargodha are legally sustainable or not. He asserted that none of the offences of which they were 'wrongfully' convicted, were offences of 'moral turpitude' to attract Article 63(1)(h). Gohar also said in the case of Abdul Latif, our MNA from Chitral, convicted by ATC Islamabad on May 30, the ECP issued notice on question of disqualification and fixed the case for hearing on July 29 (today). This was a self-contradiction, he added. Three PTI lawmakers: ECP issues disqualification notifications In its official statement, the ECP made clear that the disqualifications of Senator Chaudhry, MNA Chattha, and Punjab Assembly opposition leader Bhachar remain in full effect. 'Their convictions handed down by an anti-terrorism court still stand.' However, the ECP also clarified that Abdul Latif Chitrali's case stands apart from other convicted legislators. While Chitrali himself did not approach the Islamabad High Court (IHC), several of his co-accused in the May 9 case filed appeals. The IHC subsequently overturned their convictions and ordered their release. Although Chitrali was not among the petitioners, the ECP noted that the ruling carries implications for individuals linked to the same proceedings. Accordingly, Chitrali has been issued a notice to appear before the ECP to assist in determining whether the IHC's decision regarding his co-accused in the May 9 case may extend to him as well. A day ago, the ECP has issued separate disqualification notifications, under Article 63(1)(h), for three PTI lawmakers, following their convictions by an anti-terrorism court of Sargodha last week in the May 9 riots case. All three were handed 10-year prison sentences under anti-terrorism charges. The case, registered at the Musa Khel police station against PTI leaders and supporters, pertained to the violent protests and vandalism that erupted in Mianwali following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a graft case. The ATC found Bhachar and the other accused guilty of participating in the May 9, 2023 riots, which targeted state institutions and public properties and led to violent clashes with law enforcers across Pakistan, after former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested on May 9.
Irish Examiner
11-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Government will be on 'the wrong side' of history over Israeli bonds decision, opposition says
The Government has been warned it is on the "the wrong side" of history after rejecting a motion to prevent the facilitation of Israeli war bonds. Opposition parties united behind a motion demanding the Government enact emergency legislation to explicitly force the Central Bank to stop facilitating the sale of Israel bonds. The Social Democrats motion, supported by Sinn Féin, Labour, and People Before Profit-Solidarity also called on the coalition to advise the bank that "by acting as the enabling cog in Israel's fund-raising machine in the EU, it is putting the State at risk of a charge of complicity in genocide". However, the Government's countermotion stated that it had "received advice from the Attorney General that recently proposed legislation to introduce 'restrictive measures' was not compatible with our obligations as members of the EU and in conflict with Article 215 and Article 63 Treaty on the Functioning of the EU". The motion with the amendment put forward by the Government was then passed by 85 votes to 71. Speaking in the Dáil ahead of the vote, finance minister Paschal Donohoe said: "Despite the human feelings I have and the determination of the Government to respond to this, I have to recognise the law with regard to the EU and the law that recognises the independent operation of the Central Bank of Ireland." But Social Democrats TD Cian O'Callaghan claimed that the Government was "hiding behind technicalities" and could act on the matter if it wanted to. Let us be clear about this. Genocide is taking place and is being part-funded by the sale of Israeli bonds including in Europe, which is being facilitated by the Irish Central Bank. Sinn Fein's Pearse Doherty described Mr Donohoe's response as "shameful", adding: "History will show that the minister is on the wrong side of this issue. He has used carefully constructed words to tell us what we cannot do. "However, the reality is that if Government wants to initiate national measures that will ensure that the Central Bank does not sign off on a prospective and therefore, not facilitate the sale of these war bonds in Ireland, then it can do so."
