ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court revoked on Friday the lifetime disqualification of Faisal Vawda, who got the boot from the PTI in October after his rogue press conference, after he admitted his false affidavit before the apex court.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial issued the verdict in the dual nationality case. But, Vawda remains disqualified under Article 63(1)(c) of the Constitution, under which a legislator loses membership of parliament for one term only.

The Election Commission of Pakistan had disqualified Vawda in February for concealing his US citizenship and directed him to return the salary and other benefits he had received as a minister and as an MNA, within two months. It had also de-notified him as a senator.

The Islamabad High Court had also rejected Vawda’s petition against the ECP decision. It remarked that there were repercussions of submitting a false affidavit, mentioning past rulings of the SC under which many lawmakers were disqualified.

“(1) A person shall be disqualified from being elected or chosen as, and from being, a member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament), if:- (c) he ceases to be a citizen of Pakistan, or acquires the citizenship of a foreign State,” states Article 63(1)(c) of the Constitution.

“We have not summoned you to embarrass you but to admit misrepresentation,” the CJP said, adding that the former PTI leader for three years insisted on the wrong statement.

The chief justice of Pakistan added that the court would annul the lifetime disqualification if Vawda accepted his mistake.

“If you do not give a clear statement, action will be taken against you. If you admit your mistake, then the decision of disqualification will be cancelled. Disqualification under [Article] 63 (1)(c) [of the Constitution] will be for five years,” the CJP said.

The court remarked that it has no intention to disrespect the members of the assembly and members have to be “serious” about nomination and declaration.

CJP Bandial added that the court would also end the disqualification for the office of senator, however, Vawda had to submit his resignation to the Senate chairperson.

Vawda replied that for the first time he contested the election in 2018, adding that the mistake was made on technical grounds. “I admit my mistake in the affidavit. I will resign from the senatorship with good intention.”

The SC accepted the unconditional apology of Vawda, who appeared in person before the court and changed the lifetime disqualification decision to five years of disqualification.

The apex court directed the former PTI leader to immediately send his resignation to the Senate chairperson.

Eligible to contest election

Vawda told reporters outside the SC that he would “gracefully” resign from the office of senator. “I am eligible for elections if it is held today, tomorrow or after six months.”

He claimed that the chief justice of Pakistan appreciated him for showing “grace, character, and inspiring confidence.” The former PTI leader acknowledged misrepresentation and error in the affidavit.

Vawda was mum when a reporter asked what will happen to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s case if he also showed “character, grace and confidence”. Earlier to a similar query he said he could not give such a comment as he was not on the post of judge.

“Humans put up a lot of effort but appointments were made,” he replied to the appointments of army chief and CJCSC. “Early elections and elections on time is a constitutional right. The game will continue.”