Sohail Sultan Disqualification Reference Filed by National Assembly Speaker
Speaker Forwards Petition to ECP
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq took action. He sent a formal reference to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The reference seeks the disqualification of MNA Sohail Sultan. Sultan represents the NA-4 Swat constituency. He was elected with support from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He currently belongs to the Sunni Ittehad Council.
Allegation of Employment Misrepresentation
The reference originated from a Swat resident. Nasrullah Khan Advocate submitted the initial complaint. Khan claims Sohail Sultan misrepresented facts. He allegedly lied about his past government employment. This was contained within his nomination papers. Sultan was previously Assistant Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The petitioner claims this position was misstated.
Breach of the Two-Year Rule
The complaint centers on a specific electoral law. Any government employee must resign first. They must then observe a two-year waiting period. This must occur before contesting any election. The Sohail Sultan Disqualification Reference alleges a violation. Sources confirmed Sultan held the KP Assistant Advocate General post. He reportedly contested the election too soon. Investigation showed he had not completed the full two-year period.
The Official ECP Process
Nasrullah Khan formally requested action. He urged the Speaker to forward the reference immediately. Speaker Sadiq complied after receiving the petition. He officially wrote to the Election Commission. The ECP must now review the evidence presented. It will hold hearings to decide Sultan’s eligibility. This process could lead to the MNA’s disqualification.
Political Defense and Criticism
PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry reacted strongly. He issued a statement on social media. Chaudhry criticized the Speaker’s actions as frivolous. He argued the position is a contract, not a government job. He added that the lawyer contracts with the government directly. Chaudhry stated that Ayaz Sadiq must protect Parliament’s dignity. Such actions, he suggested, harm the Speaker’s office. The Sohail Sultan Disqualification Reference is now a major political and legal battle.
