PESHAWAR; The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the assets concealment case against former federal minister and PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan until August 20, directing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to clarify its position in light of the fact that he is no longer a member of the National Assembly.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Syed Irshad Ali and Justice Dr Khurshid Iqbal, heard the matter. The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that the ECP had issued a notice to Omar Ayub over alleged non-disclosure of assets and initiated proceedings that resulted in his conviction, which potentially led to his de-seating.
Justice Irshad Ali noted that Ayub is no longer a parliamentarian, asking the ECP’s counsel to explain what action the commission intends to take under the changed circumstances. The ECP’s lawyer said a meeting of the commission was scheduled for later in the day to deliberate on the matter, adding that if any concealment of assets is proven, a criminal case could still be pursued against him.
The bench questioned the nature of further proceedings when the respondent is no longer in office. The ECP’s counsel requested additional time, stating that the commission’s meeting would likely produce a decision soon.
The PHC subsequently postponed further proceedings until August 20.
Omar Ayub Khan, a prominent PTI leader and former finance minister in the party’s last federal cabinet, has been facing legal and political challenges since the May 9, 2023 protests.
Following the dissolution of the National Assembly in August 2023, he contested but was barred from certain electoral processes due to pending cases. Asset declaration requirements under Pakistani law compel lawmakers to annually disclose their wealth, and non-compliance or concealment can lead to disqualification under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution, as well as possible criminal prosecution.
