Thursday, July 11, 2013

PTI leadership in dispute over dual office controversy

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: A dispute has erupted between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and parry’s Central Election Commission over vacation of party offices by those who have assumed government offices.

The stance of PTI chief Imran Khan that decision about dual offices rests with Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the party was countered by PTI Central Election Commission, headed by Hamid Khan, which asserted that its decision over vacating party offices by those who are holding public offices is final and has come into force on July 9.

However, Imran Khan says that Central Election Commission’s decision is simply a recommendation and this would be reviewed by party’s CEC before a decision is arrived at.

“Till the meeting of CEC, the recommendation of Central Election Commission will not come into effect,” Imran contended. This is in sharp contrast to PTI Central Election Commission’s stance that its decision is final and came into effect from July 9.

Through a statement on Wednesday, the party’s Central Election Commission contradicted the press release of Central Media Cell of the party which released Imran Khan’s statement the other day.

“The press release of PTI’s Central Media Cell was issued in complete ignorance of the constitution of the party,” Hamid Khan said.

Article XVII of PTI’s constitution on qualification for election to party office states “in case of challenges with regard to the qualification, the party election commission shall determine the dispute”.

Hamid Khan said that it was an unambiguous empowerment of the party’s election commission to adjudicate in such matters where such disputes arise regarding qualifications of party office-bearers to continue in their respective offices while also being holders of public offices.

“The decisions of Central Election Commission being an autonomous institution under PTI constitution are final and don’t need any confirmation,” said Hamid, contrary to Imran’s assertion that Central Executive Committee is to decide on the matter.

The dispute was surfaced after election of Pervez Khattak, the general secretary of PTI, as chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Dual offices holders also include KP Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar, provincial minister Shaukat Yousufzai, Atif Khan and Ali Amin Gandapur.

Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk

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