ISLAMABAD: Adviser to PM on Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Zaheeruddin Babar Awan has said a joint parliamentary committee will be formed to bring consensus on electoral reforms. He said that on the demand of opposition, the government, prime minister, allies and ministry of parliamentary affairs is ready to bring the both bills regarding electoral reforms in front of joint parliamentary committee of parliament. He said motion will be tabled in National Assembly with the permission of Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser and then we will request the Chairman Senate Mir Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani to form joint parliamentary committee. He said that government is going to make the opposition part of the joint parliamentary committee to stop rigging in the elections. He said that government will fulfil two promises made by Prime Minister Imran Khan with masses, one election will be held by using electronic voting machines and second the overseas Pakistanis will be given the right of vote. He said that whosoever has majority in the parliament will carryout legislation, adding that after listening the stance of people and taking their output carrying out legislation is the beauty of the democracy and it is not the requirement of the constitution. He said that the government is moving forward in matters of electoral reforms, I-voting and electronic voting machines.
Addressing a news conference along with Minister for Railways Azam Khan Swati in Islamabad on Monday, he said a motion will be moved in National Assembly authorizing the Speaker and the Chairman Senate to form the Committee.
The Adviser said opposition parties should tell the nation as to why they are scared of EVMs. He said that the 2023 election will be conducted by caretaker government which will be formed for 90 days, adding that it will be dishonesty if anyone says PTI will be in position to rig the next election. He said that the EVM will stop the rigging.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Railways Azam Khan Swati said the memory of the media is weak as the government nominee for the chief election commissioner position was Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad but due to the constitutional restraints, adding that Prime Minister with the consultation of Opposition Leader appoints the CEC under constitution. He said that the opposition leader is involved in matters of TT and dozens of money laundering cases are running against him. Azam Swati said he knew many secrets about the appointment of CEC in front of media as he has taken oath. Azam Swati said that we knew CEC is wrist watch of bare Mian and stick of chote Mian, adding that CEC should save the Election Commission from destruction. He said that government will get pass the legislation regarding electronic voting machines in few days. Azam Swati said we are standing like a concrete wall and if CEC can stop us he should do it. He said that Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Sikandar Sultan Raja should come and see whether is powerful or law and constitution is powerful, adding that I want to ask from CEC on whom directions he is hell bent upon destroying the great institution. Azam Swati said that we have no dispute with Election Commission of Pakistan but we have dispute with CEC Dr. Sikandar Sultan Raja, who was recommended by Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who was so called opposition leader. Azam Swati said that he has no fear, adding that Raja Sahb you cant break or stop law and constitution, adding that parliament is sovereign, which appointed you under Article 213.
Azam Swati said government is committed to bring a system to hold uncontroversial and fair elections in 2023. He said government law regarding use of Electronic Voting Machines will be passed from parliament very soon.