Govt not happy with ECP’s decision: Federal ministers

On Friday, the federal ministers expressed displeasure over the Election Commission of Pakistan‘s (ECP) response, saying that they did not “like” the electoral body’s press release against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry was speaking to the media along with Federal Information Minister Shibli Faraz and Senator-elect Barrister Ali Zafar after the ECP fired back on PM Imran’s allegation of corruption in Senate elections.

The science and technology minister stated that the prime minister and the PTI respect the Election Commission and all the institutions of Pakistan.

PTI will not protesting in front of the ECP tomorrow, these are the revolving rumours, ECP revered by us and will remain so,” said Chaudhry. 

The minister, however, stated that the institutions show their “independence through their actions and not through press releases.”

“It is irresponsible to issue a press release on Prime Minister’s stance,” said the minister.

The lawmaker from Jhelum clarified that PM Imran Khan, in his statement, said that the responsibility to make elections free and fair was not fulfilled in the Senate elections held on Wednesday. “This is not a thing to be upset about, but measures need to be taken.”

He clarified that PM Imran meant that the government and the ECP should work together to “develop a mechanism that will stop rigging” and ensure free and fair elections.

“I want to assure the chief election commissioner (CEC) and members that we want to see you strong,” said Chaudhry.

The minister said he is very “shocked” over the ECP which said that the PTI should come forward with “evidence.”

He said that the evidence was there in the form of “videos of vote-buying, Sindh Information Minister Nasir Shah’s audio, and Maryam Nawaz’s speech.”

“From Daska elections till Senate elections you have to realise that there have been shortcomings and it cannot be said that all that has happened is correct,” said Chaudhry.

The federal minister also spoke about the vote of confidence sought by PM Imran Khan on Saturday’s session.

“As far as a vote of confidence is concerned, our 177 members have arrived in Islamabad,” said Chaudhry, parliamentary party meeting held today will be attended by the members as well, he added.