Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar says the PTI Chief has been sentenced by a court of law after a fair trial.
Responding to various points of orders raised by some lawmakers in the Senate today, he said it is incumbent upon the elected representatives of the people to submit their income tax returns. He said the PTI Chief did mention his income worth millions of rupees, he acquired by selling Toshakhana gifts, but he concealed that amount in the returns he had submitted with the Election Commission of Pakistan. He said the PTI Chief had submitted a false affidavit claiming that all the information in this document is correct to the best of his knowledge and belief.
The Law Minister said this concealment of fact was proved in the trial. He said the PTI Chief was given fair opportunity to confront the allegations against him, but he opted to remain absent for 37 times.
Azam Nazeer Tarar further said the PTI Chief has the right to appeal in the High Court as well as in the Supreme Court of Pakistan against his sentence.
Replying to another point of order, the Law Minister said it is the resolve of the coalition government that elections should be held at the earliest as per the constitutional requirements.
The Senate today passed “The Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023” to ensure safety and security of official documents in view of the changing social milieu.
It was moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
The House also passed “The Higher Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Pakistan International Airline Corporation (Conversion) (Amendment) Bill, 2023” and “The Zakat and Usher (Amendment) Bill, 2023”.
However, the government withdrew “The Prevention of Violent Extremism Bill, 2023”.
Besides, “The Federal Public Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023” was introduced in the House and the Chair referred it to the Standing Committee concerned.
The House will now meet again on Monday at 3 p.m.
