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Pakistan

ECP hits back, disqualifies Waheeda Shah

Dunya News

In reply to Waheeda Shah slapping polling staff, ECP has hit back by disqualifying her.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has disqualified Waheeda Shah from holding public office for two years.Women rights activists and political analysts have declared it a historic decision since it upholds the rule of law in the country and would go a long way in setting standards for potential public representatives.The DSP who stood by while Waheeda Shah had attacked the polling staff has already been suspended pending a departmental inquiry.The Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan heard the case of Waheeda Shah on Tuesday and had reserved the verdict till today (March 7). On the other hand, Waheeda had sought unconditional apology, but it was turned down it being a state matter as declared by the apex court.The Supreme Court had taken up the incident after suo mottu action by the Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.The ECP has also decided to immediately hold fresh elections in her constituency PS 57 Tando Muhammad Khan. Arrangements for re-polling would be made after further orders from the ECP.Waheeda’s lawyer however said she reserved the right to appeal.The EC member from Sindh gave dissenting vote, but the majority decision (3-1) went against Waheeda.Dunya News had led from the front to highlight the slapping incident it being gross violation of the rule and regulations governing polls. Under the rules, no contestant could enter poll premises. If there are complaints, these could only be redressed through the designated magistrate.On Monday, the Sindh Election Commission completed enquiry report and submitted the report the same to the Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan.Waheeda Shah had tortured Presiding Officer Habiba Memon and another poll staff during the by-elections on February 25.It is pertinent to mention here that presiding officer Habiba Memon had pardoned Waheeda Shah.
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