ISLAMABAD: The PTI moved the Islamabad High Court on Saturday seeking scrutiny of the funds of at least 17 major political parties, including the PML-N and PPP.

The petition, filed by PTI Additional Secretary-General Amir Mahmood Kiyani through Anwar Mansoor Khan, came days after the Election Commission of Pakistan, in line with an IHC order, decided to conduct daily hearings on the foreign funding case. In its order, the IHC had directed the ECP to conclude the case within 30 days.

The petition requested the court to direct the ECP to approach the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for information regarding the funding of the 17 political parties, made respondents in the plea, before proceeding with daily hearings against their party.

According to the petition, the PTI was the only party facing accountability in the form of daily proceedings. It requested the court to end this “discrimination” by holding other political parties accountable as well.

The petition said that the ECP had been asked time and again to verify the source of funding for the PML-N and PPP but the commission allegedly ignored these requests. However, the ECP had rejected these allegations in a statement last week, saying there were no delays in cases against other parties.

PTI has also challenged the court order regarding the 30-day deadline.

The foreign funding case has been pending since Nov 14, 2014, and it was filed by Akbar S. Babar who had alleged that there were financial irregularities in the PTI’s funding from Pakistan and abroad.

On January 4 this year, the ECP’s scrutiny committee, formed in March 2018, submitted its report on the PTI’s foreign funding case after 95 hearings.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2022

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.