G-B election commission restores assembly membership of minister

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission on Tuesday restored the assembly membership of education minister Ghulam Shahzad Agha.

The decision comes after a brief suspension period initiated on December 14 due to Agha’s non-appearance before the commission in a case concerning his name on the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

Talking to HUM News English, G-B Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Raja Shahbaz Khan elaborated on the circumstances leading to the suspension and subsequent reinstatement. Raja Shahbaz said he had suspended membership of Agha after he failed to appear before the election commission to defend his case.

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“Agha has submitted an undertaking before the electoral body to follow his case. Therefore, his membership is restored,” he added. He emphasized the commission’s commitment to upholding legal and procedural standards in the face of such challenges.

Shahzad Agha, speaking to HUM News English, clarified his absence, citing his commitments in Islamabad as the reason for his inability to follow the case earlier. He expressed his readiness to address the concerns raised against him. Agha reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in his capacity as education minister.

Background

The backdrop of this political saga involves Agha’s role in the disqualification of former Chief Minister Khalid Khursheed over a fake degree case. Agha’s petition against Khursheed had led to a legal battle, with the latter’s lawyers questioning Agha’s eligibility and status, citing his inclusion in the Fourth Schedule.

The Gilgit-Baltistan chief court had earlier ordered the G-B Assembly speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings against Agha, referring the case to the election commission. Despite multiple hearings, Agha’s failure to appear had led to his membership suspension.

Ghulam Shahzad Agha of the Pakistan People’s Party was elected as a member of the assembly on a technocrat seat in the 2020 assembly elections. He was given the portfolio of education in July this year when PTI’s Khalid Khursheed was de-seated as the chief minister.