ECP disqualifies PTI lawmakers convicted in May 9 cases
Pakistan
Anti-terror court convictions lead to disqualification of three politicians
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has disqualified Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Ahmed Khan Bhachar, and Ahmed Chattha following their convictions by an anti-terrorism court.
According to the official notification, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry's 10-year sentence prompted the election commission to formally declare his disqualification.
Similarly, Ahmed Chattha – elected from NA-66 Wazirabad – and Ahmed Khan Bhachar – elected from PP-87 Mianwali – were also declared ineligible to hold office. Both were disqualified as a result of verdicts issued by the anti-terrorism court.
ATC issues arrest warrants for Malik Ahmad Bhachar, 50 others in May 9 riots case
Following the decisions, the ECP has declared all three seats vacant, in accordance with the court rulings.
Last week, Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, Senator Ejaz Ch and MNA Ahmed Chattha were sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with the May 9 case.
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Sargodha announced a brief verdict, sentencing 70 accused from Sargodha. None of the accused, including Ahmad Khan Bhachar, were present in court at the time of the ruling.
In the Mianwali riots and vandalism case, the court had previously granted exemption from appearance to 32 accused individuals, including Ahmad Khan Bhachar.
