ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court Justice Mansoor Ali Shah on Wednesday remarked that PTI leader Faisal Vawda had been caught in yet another lie as the court upheld the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) life ban against the former federal minister. Heard on the request of
The observation by the Supreme Court judge came during the hearing of the petition filed by the former MNA against the ECP’s decision in the dual citizenship case.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ayesha Malik heard the petition.
At the opening of today’s hearing, Faisal Vawda’s counsel Waseem Sajjad argued that the returning officer satisfied himself by examining the canceled US passport.
To which Justice Ayesha Malik remarked that the canceled passport relied upon by the lawyers had expired in 2015 and was shown to the RO in 2018.
“When you get a new passport, the old one is cancelled. How can a canceled passport be proof of renunciation of nationality,” he asked.
On this, Chief Justice Bandyal said that the matter has become very serious.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah said that another lie of Faisal Vawda has been exposed.
Faisal Vawda’s lawyer argued that it has been stated in the affidavit that the PTI leader does not have a passport of any other country.
On this, Justice Mansoor said that the affidavit is about [the candidate’s] dual citizenship.
Justice Ayesha remarked that the registration number of the passport on record was different from the one which was cancelled, i.e. a new travel document was issued.
Vavda’s counsel reiterated that the ECP does not have the power to disqualify a member for life. However, Justice Mansoor remarked that the High Court has the power to impose a life ban.
Later, the hearing was adjourned for two weeks after Waseem Sajjad sought more time for preparation.
On which Justice Mansoor Ali Shah said that even after a week you will not get answers to these questions.
