Islamabad, July 28, 2025: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday disqualified Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader MPA Ahmad Khan Bhachar, and MNA Ahmad Chattha, declaring them ineligible to hold public office and ordering their seats to be vacated.
The disqualification of Senator Ejaz Chaudhry follows his 10-year conviction by an anti-terrorism court. He was found guilty under various provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act, prompting the ECP to annul his Senate membership and issue an official notification in this regard.
In separate cases, MNA Ahmad Chattha (NA-66, Wazirabad) and MPA Ahmad Khan Bhachar (PP-87, Mianwali) were also disqualified after being convicted by anti-terrorism courts. Both were found to have committed offences that rendered them ineligible to hold public office under existing legal and constitutional provisions.
As a result of the rulings, the ECP has declared the three parliamentary seats—one in the Senate, one in the National Assembly, and one in the Punjab Assembly—vacant. The Commission stated that by-elections will be held in accordance with constitutional and electoral procedures to fill the vacant seats.
The development marks a significant move by the ECP to enforce accountability among public officeholders convicted of serious crimes, especially under anti-terrorism laws.
