In its first public hearing on Thursday, the Judicial Commission to probe alleged rigging in 2013 general elections ordered the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to submit forensic report of 37 constituencies within three days.
The three-member commission headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk comprises Justice Amir Hani Muslim and Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan.
During the first day hearing, the commission ordered chairman NADRA to submit forensic report of 37 constituencies within three days before adjourning its hearing till next week.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) sought one more week from the commission to submit evidences on vote rigging.
The commission also restricted all political parties to give any statement over the proceedings of the commission.
Chief Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk said that the commission has so far received 21 applications from the political parties and 47 individual requests to become party in the hearing.
He said that the commission would make public its report, adding the commission would not do anything against the law.
PTI’s counsel Abdul Hafeez Pirzada said that he has not seen such an important commission in his 65-year long career.
Pirzada said that any government that does not reflect mandate of the people has no right to govern; adding commission’s decision would prove beneficial for the country’s democracy.
Following Pirzada’s opening remarks, Chief Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk said that the commission would give its report as per the law and it was not concerned over consequences of the report.
PPP’s counsel Latif Khosa enquired from the commission how its hearing would affect cases pending at election tribunals.
The commission asked the PPP to submit evidences within a week.
Khalid Ranjha, the counsel of PML-Q, said that the role of returning officers made 2013 general elections controversial, adding agents of candidates were not allowed access to results in any constituency.
Political parties, including PPP, JI and ANP, have submitted their statements and proofs on rigging.
The commission would present its report within 45 days. On the other hand, ruling PML-N has formed its legal team to appear before the commission.
Chairman PTI after the hearing said that he was happy over the first hearing of the commission.
“The commission has set the direction…we are very happy,” he said, adding whatever will be outcome of the hearing would be accepted by the party.
He said that the party would submit all the material regarding vote rigging next week. (PhotoNews / Samaa Tv)
