The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has granted leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, time to appoint a lawyer in the disqualification reference filed against him.  A five-member bench of the ECP, headed by the Chief Election Commissioner, heard the case.  During the proceedings, Omar Ayub appeared at the rostrum and confirmed he had received a copy of the reference but had yet to engage legal counsel. 

Requesting a delay due to the upcoming budget session, Ayub asked the Commission to schedule the hearing for July.  ECP Member from Sindh, Nisar Durrani, noted that the Speaker's reference allowed for a 90-day period for processing. The Commission then accepted Ayub’s request and allowed him additional time to appoint a lawyer.  Speaking to the media after the hearing, Omar Ayub claimed that no consultation was held with the National Assembly Speaker regarding the reference. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)