اردو
  • ECP has 'no jurisdiction' to disqualify lawmakers for life: SC

    Faisal Vawda File photo Faisal Vawda

    The Supreme Court on Sunday ruled that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has no jurisdiction under the Constitution to decide upon the pre-election disqualification of a lawmaker.

    The four-page short order relating to Vawda's lifetime disqualification case was authored by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial — who heard the case along with Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ayesha Malik.

    In its four-page short order, the top court nullified the verdicts of the ECP and the high court and said: "ECP has no jurisdiction [...] to inquire into and decide upon the matter of pre-election disqualification and disqualification of a returned candidate."

    The former PTI leader apprised the court that he received a citizenship renunciation certificate from the US authorities on June 25, 2018, the SC mentioned in the order. It further said that Vawda admitted his mistake and apologised unconditionally to the SC.

    Vawda was not eligible for contesting elections in 2018, the short order noted, but added that after tendering an unconditional apology, Article 63 (1) (C) was applied to him — and now he can contest elections for the next assembly term.

    Hence, the former PTI leader would be considered disqualified till the tenure end of the incumbent parliament's tenure, read the judgment. He is eligible for contesting the next elections in the country, said the apex court.

    The SC also directed the concerned authorities to forward Vawda’s resignation to the Senate chairman for further process.