The Election Commission of Pakistan has submitted its reply to the Supreme Court in the Faizabad sit-in case, absolving the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) of involvement in any anti-state activity, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In the three-page response filed in the apex court on Thursday, the ECP said it had asked the ministry of interior, NACTA and others to submit a report on the involvement of TLP in anti-state activities. The ECP added that the reports said the TLP was not involved in any anti-state or terrorism activities.

In a comprehensive four-page written order, the Supreme Court had earlier sought from all relevant parties to clarify their positions in the Faizabad sit-in case.

While examining the funds, it was discovered that TLP had received Rs1.5 million through unauthorized channels. However, the ECP clarified that this amount could not be classified as foreign funding in the context of the Faizabad sit-in case.

Following the interior ministry’s report and the funds’ scrutiny, the ECP withdrew its notice against TLP, as stated in the report.

The Faizabad sit-in review petitions are scheduled for a hearing on November 1 before a three-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC). Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa will preside over the bench. Notices have been issued to respondents, including the Attorney General of Pakistan.

The Faizabad sit-in case dates back to November 8, 2017, when Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) organized a sit-in at the Faizabad interchange to protest amendments in the Election Bill 2017, specifically the alteration of the word “oath” to “declaration”.

Reporter Amanat Gishkori