The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) responded on Wednesday to the queries raised by Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Senator Taj Haider, shedding light on the intricate legalities surrounding the membership of senators elected to other legislative bodies.
Citing Article 223-4 of the Constitution, the Election Commission's reply underscores that if a member of one house is elected to another, the original seat becomes vacant.
Senator Taj Haider, confirming receipt of the Election Commission's response letter, had sought elucidation on the legal standing of senators concurrently holding positions in assemblies.
According to the interpretation provided by the Election Commission, seats occupied by senators elected in general elections would remain vacant, leaving the political fate of Sadiq Sanjrani, Yusuf Raza Gilani, Maulana Ghafoor Haidari, Prince Umar Ahmedzai, and Sarfraz Bugti hanging in the balance.
Highlighting the implications of this interpretation, Senator Taj Haider criticized Sadiq Sanjrani for allegedly violating the constitution by presiding over Senate meetings after being elected as an MPA. He further invalidated Sanjrani's approval of resignations tendered by Sarfaraz Bugti and Prince Umar Ahmedzai, asserting their lack of legal standing.
Expressing bewilderment over the Senate Secretariat's response to the Election Commission's interpretation, Senator Taj Haider underscored the urgency for clarity in the matter.
In response to queries regarding Yusuf Raza Gilani's candidacy for Senate Chairman, Senator Taj Haider confirmed Gilani's ousting from the Senate, paving the way for a new chairman from within the PPP ranks.
Senator Taj Haider also championed Farooq H. Naik as a deserving candidate for the post of Chairman Senate, signaling a potential shift in the upper house's leadership dynamics.
