ECP notifies Adil Bazai as independent member of National Assembly

ISLAMABAAAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has formally notified Adil Bazai as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from the NA-262 constituency of Quetta, which he will serve as an independent member of the house.

The decision comes after the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) ordered the ECP to suspend its previous notification from November 21 that had affected the membership of Bazai. In response, the ECP has stated that Bazai is no longer a part of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and will be an independent member of the lower house.

The previous notification by the ECP had de-seated Bazai, but that would be put on hold till the final judgment by the Supreme Court. Furthermore, the ECP suspended the by-election in NA-262 due to the apex court’s decision.

It’s also important to note that Bazai had initially been elected as an independent candidate, but later submitted an affidavit of affiliation with the PML-N, and then another oath paper about joining the Sunni Ittehad Council. 

He was disqualified on a reference filed by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, who claimed that Bazai had deviated from party policy during votes on the budget and the 26th constitutional amendment.

However, the Supreme Court later rescinded Bazai’s disqualification, suspending the ECP’s decision and restoring his NA membership until a final court verdict is made.

This development is important because it throws light on the ongoing complexities and challenges in Pakistan’s electoral landscape.