F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Wednesday hinted that it might seek assistance from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other intelligence agencies to investigate alleged horse-trading in the Senate election held on March 3.
The five-member commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza, heard the suo moto notice which it had taken on March 6 after horse-trading allegations were levelled by some politicians in media.
The commission had summoned eight parliamentarians for assistance in the case.
PTI Chairman Imran Khan and MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar were represented by their counsel while Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb appeared in person.
During the course of proceedings, the CEC observed that buying and selling of votes was a crime and it was unfortunate that both the sellers and buyers were parliamentarians.
The CEC said, “It is unfortunate that those who sell their vote, and those who buy it are both parliamentarians.”
“Buying and selling of votes is a crime,” said CEC, adding that political parties should assist the ECP in this case.
Addressing the politicians and representatives of parties who attended the hearing, the CEC said the rationale behind summoning them was to seek their assistance for an investigation into the matter.
He said successful senators bagged more votes than their parties’ representation in the respective provincial assemblies.
PTI chief’s lawyer, Shahid Gondal told the ECP that the party had already formed a committee to investigate horse-trading and would submit a final report after completion of the inquiry.
The ECP adjourned the case till April 4.
