IHC declares PTI 's pleas for Zardari’s disqualification unmaintainable

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has declared PTI leaders’ pleas seeking disqualification as unmaintainable, directing to fix it for hearing again. Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked that the parliament is supreme and the matters should be settled there. “Why do you not allow the parliament to form a committee on the issue?” he remarked. The IHC CJ ordered the petitioners to satisfy the court why the pleas should be heard on priority basis. “Why should we give your pleas priority when scores of people are waiting for justice in jails?” he observed. Chief Justice Athar Minallah questioned the petitioners why they bring political matters to court. “Your concerned forum is the Election Commission of Pakistan. You may also contact investigation agencies. You know that how many cases are pending with this court,” he remarked. The IHC CJ said that it was the time to strengthen the parliament. In the petition, they stated that former president is the owner of properties in New York. “Zardari is not Sadiq or Ameen as he did not disclose his assets,” they added. They prayed to court to disqualify Asif Zardari under Article 62(1)(f). The PTI had previously filed similar petitions against the former president in the Supreme Court and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) but they both had been returned. PTI’s Usmar Dar had moved the SC for Zardari’s disqualification; however, the registrar had raised reservations and directed him to approach the relevant forum. Following SC’s reservations, the PTI moved the IHC seeking disqualification of the former president. Zardari, ECP and National Assembly secretary have been made respondents in the petitions. Zardari was elected MNA from NA-213 seat during the July 25 general election.