SC overturns ECP decision to disqualify MNA Adil Bazai

Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday overturned the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to disqualify Adil Bazai, a member of the National Assembly (MNA) from NA-262 Quetta-I. According to a short judgment of SC, Adil Bazai’s membership as Independent MNA is restored. 

The court said that the affidavit of party affiliation issued by the head of PML-N was not confirmed. 

The SC bench headed by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah reinstated Adil Bazai as a member of the National Assembly. 

It may be noted here that the ECP, on a reference filed by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, disqualified the MNA over ‘floor crossing’. Adil Bazai, according to the ECP, had initially submitted an affidavit joining the PML-N, but later switched allegiance to the Sunni Ittehad Council few days later. 

During the hearing, the MNA’s lawyer claimed that his PML-N membership affidavit was fake. 

Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer argued that Bazai’s actions violated the constitution, particularly in the finance bill and constitutional amendment voting. Contesting as an independent candidate Bazai was declared winner from NA-262 Quetta and later displayed on the National Assembly’s website as joining the PML-N. 

The court said the detailed judgment will be released later. 

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori