ECP rejects PTI's reference seeking to disqualify Ayesha Gulalai

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has on Tuesday rejected the reference filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) seeking disqualification of estrange party leader and Member National Assembly (MNA) Ayesha Gulalai. In a 3-2 split decision, the majority judges determined that Ayesha Qazir Gulalai would remain Member National Assembly (MNA). Earlier, a five member bench of the ECP headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) had reserved its judgment in the case filed by the PTI against Gulalai seeking ECP to de-seat her for defying party orders. The counsel of Imran Khan said that the Member National Assembly (MNA) had announced to quit the party and now she is disagreeing with her statement. He prayed the tribunal to cancel her assembly membership. The CEC asked if there was any procedure of resignation in the PTI to which the lawyer said that there was no procedure of tendering resignation in the constitution of the PTI, adding that party chairman Imran Khan can suspend or abolish any member from the party. He reiterated that Gulalai announced to leave the party and then backtracked from her statement. She does not need to present a written resignation to leave the party. Presenting his argument, Gulalai’s lawyer Barrister Masroor denied PTI accusations stating that there is a distinct difference between expressing the desire to leave the party and actually resigning. The ECP reserved the judgment and would announce on October 24.