ISLAMABAD (APP) – Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Ishaq Dar has sent a letter to parliamentarians informing them about the terms of refernce for the proposed judicial commission agreed between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a probe into alleged rigging in the 2013 general elections.
Dar, who was also chairman of PML-N election cell for general election (GE) 2013, in the letter said, “You may kindly recall that in a meeting of political leadership held in PM House, the party leadership were apprised about the status of negotiations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as on December 31, 2014”.
In this regard, he said, a tabulated statement containing outstanding issues and PTI and PML-N positions thereon was also shared.
“I am now pleased to convey that on March 20, 2015, we reached a consensus on the outstanding issues”, he added.
He also attached the copy of agreed version of General Elections 2013 Inquiry Commission Ordinance, 2014.
The main points of the agreed version are as follows: Scope of Inquiry: The Commission shall enquire into and determine whether or not (a) The 2013 GE were organized and conducted impartially, honestly, fairly, justly and in accordance with law and (b) The 2013 GE were manipulated or influenced pursuant to a systematic effort or by design by anyone and (c) The results of the 2013 GE, on an overall basis are a true and fair reflection of the mandate given by the electorate.
Powers of Commission: Subject to the constitution in the performance of its functions the commission may if it considers appropriate, examine and consider any document material or evidence relating to the GE 2013.
Ordinance to override other laws: (1) Subject to sub section (2), the provisions of this ordinance shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time being in force.
(2) The conduct of the functions under the Ordinance by Commission shall not prejudice in any manner whatsoever any pending election petition relating to the General Elections 2013 or appeal arising therefrom or any orders passed in such petition of appeal or any proceedings thereof before any election tribunal or court which shall all continue and be decided in accordance with the applicable law.
General Elections 2013: Notwithstanding anything contained in this Ordinance the relevant laws, the provisions of the Constitution and Rules under which Elections 2013 were conducted shall continue to determine, interpret and govern the said Elections.
