ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) resumed hearing of the reference against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member and MNA Ayesha Gulalai on Tuesday, seeking to denotify her from assembly seat.

The five-member bench under the Chief Election Commissioner heard the case, filed by the PTI against her for defying its orders.

During the hearing, Imran Khan?s lawyer Sikander Mohmand presented his arguments.

He reiterated that Gulalai announced to leave the party and then backtracked from her statement.

She does not need to present a written resignation to leave the party, said the lawyer, upon which the ECP inquired regarding the adequate party procedure for leaving.

According to the party constitution, no fixed method is present for resigning, lawyer Mohmand said, adding that the party chief can expel a member.

?Gulalai leaving party but not leaving assembly membership is not possible as per the party Constitution,? said the lawyer.

He further said that after the declaration from Imran Khan, Ayesha Gulalai?s assembly membership should be cancelled.

Ayesha Gulalai to continue being PTI member, lawyer tells ECP

'Did Ayesha Gulalai say she is leaving the party or has she left the party, an ECP bench member asked Imran Khan's counsel

PTI Chairman Imran Khan had sent a notice to Gulalai stating that she has defected from the party in terms of Article 63 A (1) of the Constitution.

The notice, dated August 28, states that Gulalai on August 1 publically resigned from the party, did not vote for the party?s designated candidate in the prime minister?s elections on August 1.

Gulalai announced to quit the party in early August after levelling allegations of harassment and corruption against the PTI chief.