The National Assembly Secretariat sent a request to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday to unseat PML-N MNA Adil Bazai.
Considered an “anomaly”, Quetta lawmaker Bazai is part of the PML-N as per official records but is often found on the opposition benches, criticising the government. It is also unclear which party supported him during the February 8 general election. According to the National Assembly website, Bazai contested the election from Quetta’s NA-262 constituency and won as an independent candidate, but later joined PML-N. Within three days of the election, he submitted an affidavit to the ECP, per the source.
As per the law, an independent candidate cannot switch sides after submitting an allegiance affidavit to the ECP, yet, Bazai has been seen siding with the PTI and SIC members. According to a notification issued by the NA Secretariat, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif declared that Bazai defected from the party in violation of Article 63-A of the Constitution, which prohibits defections or “floor-crossing”.
