ECP rejects PTI's plea to stop foreign funding case proceedings

ISLAMABAD - The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday rejected an appeal filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to stop the proceedings on foreign funding case until the same kind of case is decided by the Supreme Court.

The ECP in its decision, reserved earlier today, directed the PTI to submit its details regarding party funding by September 7.

A five-member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (retired) Sardar Muhammad Raza Khan resumed the hearing of plea against a case filed by former founding member of PTI Akbar S. Babar.

Counsel for PTI Anwar Masood asked the ECP to discontinue the case proceedings as the same kind of case is being heard by the Supreme Court against his client.

In response the ECP chief said the party should submit a petition citing its request to the Supreme Court.

In 2014, Babar moved the ECP to disqualify PTI Chairman Imran Khan for allegedly taking funds from illegal sources and irregularities in the bank accounts of the party.

He also accused Imran of using illegal channels to transfer $3 million, funds collected by PTI chief, from the Middle East to PTI members' accounts.

On the other hand, the PTI could not submit details of its accounts and funds to the ECP, which has been making demands for two years. However, it has submitted the records to the apex court.