ECP seeks reply from PML-N over Maryam Nawaz’s appointment as VP

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday ordered the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to file its reply on a petition challenging the appointment of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Maryam Nawaz as the party’s vice-president.

A three-member bench of the ECP, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Muhammad Raza heard the petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

During the hearing, Jehangir Jadoon represented PML-N, Barrister Zafarullah represented Maryam and Hassan Maan represented PTI.

The lawyer of the PML-N and Maryam asked for a copy of the petition from the ECP and said they would submit a response after going through it.

Directing the authorities concerned to provide a copy of the petition to PML-N, ECP asked them to submit their reply in the next hearing on June 25.

Talking to the media representatives in Islamabad, Parliamentary Secretary for Law Maleeka Bukhari said PML-N counsel took a U-turn before the ECP when he stated that Maryam Nawaz is not party vice-president.

Bukhari stressed being a convicted person; Maryam cannot hold any party office.

In a major party reshuffle in May, Maryam was made one of the 16 vice-presidents of the PML-N along with Hamza Shehbaz, who is also the Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly.

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was appointed as the senior vice-president, while Ahsan Iqbal was made the general secretary.