Federal Railways Minister Azam Swati has tendered an apology before the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for his earlier outburst against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the electoral watchdog.
During a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, held on September 10, Swati had launched a barrage of attacks against the ECP. He accused the electoral watchdog of engaging in rigging and remarked that such an institution should be “set on fire”.
He said that the ECP took bribes to manipulate election results. Further, he blamed the ECP for ruining democracy in the country and making fun of the government.
Swati was absent from the hearing held on Friday by a two-member bench that was headed by Nisar Ahmed Durrani. The minister’s counsel, Barrister Ali Zafar, appeared before the bench on his behalf.
When Durrani inquired about the absent minister, Zafar replied that the latter had to be in Quetta urgently. The bench reminded Zafar that the minister had been absent on the last hearing, which was held on November 16, as well. Durrani asked if Azam Swati was fleeing from the case.
Barrister Zafar, on behalf of the minister, submitted an apology before the commission. Zafar read out the apology which said, “[I have] always tried to make the Election Commission strong. I apologise if I caused any grievance”.
Without giving a verdict on the apology, the ECP directed Swati to personally appear before the commission on December 22.
