SC dismisses Imran plea seeking Gulalai disqualification

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) has rejected Imran Khan petition seeking disqualification of PTI dissident MNA Ayesha Gulalai. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar has remarked political people continue to give statements about tendering resignations.

The resignation given can be withdrawn till specific time. A 3-membere bench of SC presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar took up appeal plea filed by PTI chief Imran Khan in connection with disqualification of Ayesha Gulalai. Imran Khan had challenged Election Commission decision in SC which was given in favor of Ayesha Gulalai.

At the inception of hearing of the case, the CJP inquired from counsel of Imran Khan “tell us what the problem of Imran Khan is. Tell us what the basis of disqualification is. Counsel for Imran Khan said appeal has been filed against election commission decision.

CJP remarked “filing appeal is your right. It is not binding on us to issue notice on appeal. Tell us first you want disqualification on what grounds. Counsel for Imran Khan took the plea article 63-A is applicable to Ayesha Gulalai.

The CJP inquired from counsel of Imran Khan has written resignation been received. Counsel for Imran Khan said Ayesha Gulalai written resignation has not come.

However she has announced her resignation in media talk. CJP remarked you had also announced your resignation in media.  The resignation can be given and can be withdrawn till specific time. Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan remarked “Sheikh Rashid had talked of  tendering   resignation  but did that announcement make the resignation effective?”.

Likewise Ayesha Gulalai had talked of giving her resignation in her press conference. Counsel for Imran Khan said Ayesha Gulalai had not cast vote in favor of Sheikh Rashid, PTI nominee for the slot of prime minister.

Therefore, she stands disqualified under constitution for violating party policy. Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan remarked “had Imran Khan cast vote by himself. Counsel for Imran Khan said his client was not in the city at the time of voting. The court rejected Imran Khan Plea against Ayesha Gulalai.