PTI tries to blunt EC’S moves against Imran

ISLABABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf (PTI) has tried to blunt the constant proceedings initiated by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and others for serious poll code violations.

In this connection, the KP assembly has enacted a law for the official use of helicopter or aircrat by the chief minister, minister or public servants on behalf of the chief executive of the province at the provincial government expenses.

Meanwhile, the ECP has issued another notice Imran Khan for not appearing in a case of violating the code of conduct. On September 18, the ECP served another notice on Imran Khan and the KP chief minister for violating the code of conduct before the by-polls in Charsadda.

Despite the summons, Imran Khan did not appear, while Mahmood Khan’s atorney showed up and sought time, ater which it summoned them again on Sept.23.

The KP legislation drew strong criticism from the opposition benches, which accused the PTI government of making amendments to counter the ECP’S objection to the use of helicopters by Imran Khan or the chief minister himself in the election campaign.

Certain amendments were approved to the KP Ministers (Salaries, Allowances and

Privileges) Act 1975 wherein new sections ater 7A were inserted.

The amendments said the chief minister may use government-owned aircrat or helicopters for official use and the expenses would be borne by the government

The chief minister may hire an aircrat or helicopter from the open market or requisition it from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) or the federal government for official use. The government would foot the bill in accordance with the rules made by the PAF or federal government as the case may be.

Likewise, the chief minister may allow a minister or public servant to use an aircrat or helicopter of the government for official use. The government would pay for the charges.

The bill was moved by Culture Minister Shaukat Yousufzai on behalf of the chief minister amid shouting from the opposition benches.

Parliamentary party leader of the Awami National Party (ANP), Sardar Hussain Babak, told media persons that Deputy Speaker Mehmood Jan did not provide time to the opposition benches to speak about the legislation that would now give legal permission to PTI chief Imran Khan to use the provincial government helicopter for his political activities and electioneering in the province.