ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: A reference was filed with the Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday seeking Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s disqualification as a lawmaker citing the harassment allegations levelled by his former party member, Ayesha Gulalai.
It has been requested in the reference, filed by Raja Basharat of Muslim League Lawyers Forum with Imran Khan and Aisha Gulalai as respondents, that Khan be disqualified under Section 99(1)(f) of the ROPA and a by-election for NA-56 be announced.
Hours after leaving the PTI, MNA Ayesha Gulalai had claimed on Tuesday that women affiliated with the party faced constant harassment from within the party ranks. She alleged that women working with the party received lewd text messages, and she could not put up with this any longer.
Two resolutions were also submitted against the PTI chairman in Punjab and Balochistan assemblies.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) member Hina Pervez Butt submitted the resolution in Punjab Assembly, stating that Khan’s behaviour with female party activists was intolerable. “Such acts do not suit a leader of any political party,” it reads, calling for investigations into Gulalai’s allegations. The resolution further demanded Khan be disqualified under Articles 62 and 63 of the constitution.
In Balochistan Assembly, Shahida Rauf submitted a resolution condemning the PTI chief. “Imran Khan’s cheap and immoral acts have hurt the prestige and honour of women,” it read. The PTI chief should be tried over Gulalai’s allegations and disqualified from parliament, it demanded.
Published in Daily Times, August 3nd 2017.
