After eight long years, the ECP finally announced its decision on Tuesday in relation to PTI’s foreign funding case as it gave a unanimous verdict that the PTI did indeed receive prohibited funding and issued a notice to the party asking why the funds should not be confiscated. A three-member ECP bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikander (CEC) Sultan Raja announced the verdict where it was revealed that the political party received funds from 34 foreign nationals and 351 companies based outside the country. In relation to the recent story featured in the Financial Times, the verdict also confirmed that the party knowingly and wilfully received funding from Wootton Cricket Limited, operated by business tycoon Arif Naqvi. Those that vociferously criticise other political parties for supposed wrongdoings or corrupt practices must do the same in this case, because it is a matter of principle. The PTI can ask for other parties to be investigated for foreign funding, but even if they are found to be guilty, it would not change the reality that the PTI was on the receiving end of prohibited funds and lied about it.

Source: The Nation August 03, 2022 08:35 UTC