The ECP has granted Omar Ayub additional time to appoint legal counsel for the disqualification reference.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has afforded the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, an opportunity to appoint legal counsel in the disqualification case lodged against him.

A five-member panel of the ECP, led by the Chief Election Commissioner, adjudicated the case.

Omar Ayub took the stand and acknowledged receipt of the reference but had not yet retained legal representation.

Ayub requested a postponement, citing the impending budget session, and urged the Commission to arrange the hearing for July.

Nisar Durrani, an ECP member from Sindh, observed that the Speaker’s reference permitted a 90-day timeframe for processing. The Commission then granted Ayub’s request, granting him extra time to engage legal counsel.

Following the hearing, Omar Ayub asserted to the media that there was no communication with the Speaker of the National Assembly over the reference.

On Wednesday, Omar Ayub addressed a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, soliciting information concerning the reference lodged against him and the Speaker’s subsequent decision.

Omar Ayub has requested the legal and constitutional foundation of the reference, a verified copy of the reference, and the whole record of proceedings. He has requested clarification regarding the allegations and the constitutional basis for disqualification under Articles 62 and 63.

He also wanted a certified copy of the complete reference and the accompanying proof. The letter additionally requests information regarding the internal proceedings and file notations created throughout the decision-making process related to the referral.

Ayub inquired about the issuance of any notices or the provision of an opportunity to present his clarification. The letter also challenges the legitimacy of the reference if it relies on petitions submitted by third parties.