ISLAMABAD - The Election Commission on Monday asked Nadra to explain how the data of voters got published in a newspaper, as pressure grew against Nadra Chairman Usman Mubeen.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) asked the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to take action against the officials who shared the data with unauthorised persons.
The commission however rejected TV reports that it had wrote a letter to Nadra chairman to seek explanation on alleged data sharing with the with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, saying it had yet to receive PTI’s petition on this matter.
The ECP in its statement said it had written a letter to Nadra to seek explanation as to how a newspaper published details of electoral lists on May 25 and May 28 without permission from the election body.
In the letter, the ECP held that the Nadra authorities violated the contract with the Election Commission by leaking the data to unauthorised individuals. The data went into the hands of the individuals before reaching ECP, it said. The letter reportedly urged Nadra to initiate investigation against those responsible for the leak and punish them.
As for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s accusations, it has alleged Nadra of leaking voters data to the PML-N and is pushing for the resignation of Nadra chairman. Pakistan Peoples Party is informally backing this demand.
PTI leader Babar Awan claimed on Monday they have already filed the petition with the election commission.
The petition seeks removal of Nadra chief from his position for the alleged data leak. It also says that Mubeen was appointed by PML-N; therefore, free and fair elections cannot be conducted in his presence.
Nadra on Monday denied PTI's allegations regarding provision of data to PML-N. A spokesman said the allegations of corruption are fabricated and baseless.
He said Nadra has a limited role in conduct of elections. The organisation is only providing technical assistance to Election Commission in accordance with law and constitution. He said Nadra has not given data to any political party, whatsoever.