Foreign Funding Case: ECP refuses to make Scrutiny Committee proceedings public

The Election Commission of Pakistan Thursday said the proceedings of Scrutiny Committee in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Foreign Funding case cannot be made public.

A day earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for the open hearing of the foreign funding case in the ECP.

Talking informally to reporters during his visit to South Waziristan District on Wednesday, Imran Khan maintained “Only the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has done the political fundraising. Heads of the parties should be present during the case hearing and I have no objection if it is shown live on the television.”

The prime minister further said: “These (opposition) parties and I know what foreign funding is. A number of countries gave funds to these parties. I cannot name those countries because of the relations.”

The prime minister’s response came a day after scathing criticism and speeches made by the 11-party opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement during a protest demonstration in front of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) office in Islamabad.

However, the ECP said in a press release that making the proceedings of Scrutiny Committee public was not possible as it would hinder the working of the committee.

The ECP said the Scrutiny Committee’s status is that of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) and its proceeding cannot make public.

The ECP said the Scrutiny Committee was already working in the presence of both parties and media persons and other related persons were also allowed to attend the hearings.

The ECP categorically stated that decision in the foreign funding case will be taken on merit without any fear and pressure.

The ECP said the Scrutiny Committee will present its comprehensive recommendation to the commission after taking stock of all the aspects.

However, the ECP said the commission will provide Scrutiny Committee’s recommendations to the parties during the open hearing.

The ECP said after hearing points of all the parties, the commission will soon deliver its judgment in the case on merit.

The ECP said it was a sensitive and a decision based on merit is in the national interests.

The ECP also appealed to all to stay refrain from unnecessarily commenting on the process without any evidence so that the ECP can concentrate on reaching a decision on the case at the earliest.