Islamabad (Web Desk): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday accepted the written apologies tendered by Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry and Minister for Railways Azam Swati in a case in which the two had accused the ECP of accepting money from electronic voting machines (EVMs) manufacturers.
As per the details, Azam Swati appeared before the ECP, where he was pardoned and warned to exercise caution in future. "You have more responsibilities," the ECP stated.
The commission also questioned the minister on his absence from earlier hearings. "You are a busy man, why didn't you appear in previous hearings?" inquired the ECP.
"All the institutions are yours; it is not appropriate to talk bad about them,” the ECP remarked.
Azam Swati maintained that he has always raised his voice for making the ECP independent, adding that he does not want any gulf between the government and the commission.
The minister further stated that the ECP must be strengthened in every way possible for “transparent” elections.
Azam Swati and Fawad Chaudhry were warned by the ECP to exercise caution in future.
Swati expressed gratitude to the ECP for accepting his apology.
“The ECP will make sound judgments regarding EVMs and that the government will support them in order to bolster the ECP,” the minister said.
Swati's lawyer Barrister Ali Zafar said that they have apologised for what occurred in the past and now they must collaborate with the ECP.
On September 16, the ECP had served notices to Chaudhry and Swati seeking explanations from both ministers for accusations against CEC Sikander Sultan Raja and the commission.