The reference was filed by his electoral rival, Babar Nawaz Khan, accusing the senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader of hiding assets and engaging in electoral irregularities. Sources said that the asset concealment issue will be taken up first, while a separate reference related to alleged rigging in the elections is already under consideration by the ECP.

The case gained momentum after the Islamabad High Court, on April 18, lifted a stay order on the ECP’s inquiry and directed the Commission to proceed after hearing all parties. Acting Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar dismissed Omar Ayub’s petition seeking to halt the inquiry.

Following this, Ayub moved the Supreme Court on April 23, arguing that the ECP no longer has jurisdiction to pursue the case under the Election Act, 2017, since the 60-day legal period to challenge election results had expired on April 17. He claimed the ECP’s continued proceedings were legally invalid.

Islamabad court acquits PTI leader Zartaj Gul in Azadi March cases

However, the ECP has pressed ahead with the matter and will now hold a formal hearing to determine whether Omar Ayub meets the constitutional criteria of being sadiq and ameen (truthful and trustworthy).

The outcome of this hearing could have serious political consequences, potentially impacting Ayub’s position as Opposition Leader in the National Assembly. Further developments are expected following the June 4 proceedings.