The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday disqualified Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmed Khan Bachar and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Mohammad Ahmed Chattha, as well as Senator Ejaz Chaudhry following their convictions in cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots.
According to a notification issued by the electoral watchdog, an anti-terrorism court found both Bachar and Chattha guilty and sentenced them to 10 years in prison. “As a consequence, Chattha, MNA from NA-66 Wazirabad and, Ahmad Khan, MPA from PP-87 Mianwali-lll, have become disqualified under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan for being members of National Assembly and Provincial Assembly of Punjab respectively,” it said.
Resultantly, said the ECP, it is recalling with immediate effect the notifications of Chattha and Bachar as returned candidates.
The case against which the two were convicted pertains to vandalism and riots in Mianwali during the May 9, 2023 riots triggered by the arrest of PTI Patron-in-Chief Imran Khan.
Separately, the ECP also notified the disqualification of Senator Chaudhry, who was handed a 10-year sentence by an anti-terrorism court in Lahore.
All three vacated seats will be filled through by-elections.
PTI MPA Suspended
Also on Monday, PTI MPA Khalid Nisar Dogar was suspended from the Punjab Assembly after he slapped PMLN MPA Ehsaan Riaz during a discussion between Deputy Opposition Leader Moin Qureshi and acting Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar.
The clash devolved into chaos as MPAs from both sides resorted to slapping each other, prompting the acting speaker to adjourn the session for five minutes to de-escalate the situation.
Following the altercation, opposition members staged a walkout and protested in the assembly compound, chanting anti-government slogans and demanding the release of Imran Khan and the opposition leader.
Eventually, PTI MPA Dogar was suspended for 15 sittings. PTI MPA Sheikh Imtiaz was also suspended for pointing out quorum during proceedings, prompting another walkout by the opposition.