ISLAMABAD: The PTI continued to receive foreign funding even after 2013 even as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in its verdict said the party received funding from 2008 to 2013, The News reported on Sunday, citing official documents. Reported citing.
The party received $401,956 from October 2014 to March 2015, including foreign registered entities in the United States.
Meanwhile, PTI leaders Ali Zaidi and Imran Ismail visited America and organized fundraisers. The party raised $401,956.30 in funds, of which $305,000 was transferred to party accounts in Pakistan.
However, it is not clear from which party’s accounts these funds were received. Even PTI Office of International Chapter (OIC) secretary Abdullah Riyar, who handles the party’s overseas affairs, has no information about the money in question.
Interestingly, the party also received funds and donations from individual donors and foreign registered entities. Documents filed with the US Department of Justice include a list of donors, which show the party received donations from several foreign-registered companies.
The ECP has already termed such transactions as prohibited funding in its foreign funding case judgment. In its verdict on the PTI foreign funding case, the ECP said the party “knowingly and willfully” received donations from foreign-registered entities in violation of Pakistani laws.
PTI Pakistan was the recipient of donations from 34 foreign nationals and 351 foreign companies through fundraising campaigns through PTI USA LLC-6160 and PTI USA LLC-5975.
“Collecting donations and contributions from foreign nationals and companies is prohibited and a violation of Pakistani laws,” the ruling said. “Therefore, this matter falls within the ambit of Article 6(3) of the Political Parties Order 2002 (PPO).”
Article 6(3) of the PPO states: “directly or indirectly by any foreign government, multinational or domestically incorporated public or private company, firm, trade, or professional association; Any contributions made in person shall be prohibited, and may be accepted by the parties. Contributions and donations by individuals only.”
PTI USA LLC 6160 submitted a supplemental report to the US Department of Justice between October 2014 and March 2015 under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The report said that two members of the party’s Central Executive Committee visited the US and conducted fund-raising activities. On behalf of PTI
Both Zaidi and Ismail organized fundraising events in various cities across the states. A report submitted to the US Department of Justice on 30 April 2015 stated that PTI received $401,956 in donations over a six-month period. The party’s US chapter transferred the money to PTI’s accounts in Pakistan in five different installments.
According to the documents, the first installment of $45,000 was transferred on October 29, 2014, the second of $55,000 on November 20, 2014, the third of $55,000 on December 1, 2014, the fourth of $75,000 on December 15, 2014. The fifth installment of $75,000 was transferred on February 2, 2015.
The list of donors attached with the supplementary report shows that a number of foreign registered entities also contributed funds to the PTI during the said period.
Foreign registered entities that donated to PTI include Healing Hands of Virginia Fantasy Activewear, SOA AGILITY, Northside Cardiology, SK Financial CPA LLC, Paris Limousine Service Corp, Autobahn Limousine, Marwat Associates, LLC, Suzanne Poulin, Reliable Assets Inc. are
Trading Corp., Crescent Cleaning Services, Route 69 Country Store, TSC1 Enterprises of Texas LP, and Sunrise Business Inc. Epic Consulting LLC, EastWest Realty LLC, Medex Research Institute LLC, and Magnum OPUS SYSTEMS CORP.
Riar, in response to a written query from this author, said: “Please contact the parties in question directly to get your answers. I do not have any information for the period in question to assist you.”
