Foreign funding case: Islamabad High Court dismisses PTI's petition against ECP's decision
The Election Commission had issued a show cause notice to PTI in August 2022, concluding that the party had received funding from prohibited sources.
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The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday dismissed the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) petition against the Election Commission's (ECP) decision. This information is being given in the media reports of the country.
The foreign funding case was heard by a larger bench of the IHC, comprising Chief Justice Amir Farooq, Justice Miangul Hasan and Justice Babar Sattar. The bench had reserved its verdict on January 11 after the arguments were over.
The Election Commission had issued a show cause notice to PTI in August 2022, concluding that the party had received funding from prohibited sources. Later this notice was challenged in the IHC. Today the verdict in this case was given orally.
Earlier in its reserved judgement, the ECP bench had said that the sanction of banned funds against PTI was upheld. The ECP unanimously found that the party received cash from billionaire Arif Naqvi and 34 other foreign nationals. In its verdict, the ECP also said that former Prime Minister Imran Khan made false declarations on the issue of illegal funds to PTI. The money also violated section 6 of the Political Parties Act.
During the hearing, the court had said that the responsibility of the ECP is to do only what the constitution allows, which is limited to confiscation of money. During the hearing, the ECP claimed that it had no authority to change its decision, but the court had said that the amount would not be forfeited if PTI presented satisfactory evidence to the court – proving the legitimacy of the money.
PTI's counsel had argued during the hearing that the ECP had declared it a foreign-aided party and denied that PTI chief Imran Khan's declaration was false.
He argued that the finances of political parties are looked after by a chartered accountant. ECP has targeted PTI. The commission found that the donations were received from the US, Australia, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, Geo News reported. The ECP ruling states that PTI received funds from 351 businesses, including 34 individuals and companies.