The Election Tribunal has made crucial decisions regarding the acceptance and rejection of candidacy papers submitted by various candidates, overturning decisions made by returning officers.
In Peshawar, Justice Shakeel Ahmed of the Election Tribunal presided over the appeal of former Minister for Railways Aftab Khan from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The tribunal rendered a favorable decision on Aftab Khan’s appeal, approving his nomination papers for electoral participation.
Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, the Appellate Tribunal accepted the appeal of former Prime Minister Raja Basharat, challenging the decision of the returning officer. Consequently, Raja Basharat has been granted permission to contest elections from NA-55 and PP-15 constituencies.
In Attock, the National Assembly constituency NA-50 witnessed the acceptance of the appeal from Zulfi Bukhari, associated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. The tribunal’s decision allows Zulfi Bukhari to participate in the electoral process. Similarly, Tariq Anwar Butt’s appeal, associated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), was accepted for contesting elections from NA-50.
Moving to Lahore, Justice Asjad Javaid of the Appellate Tribunal presided over the appeal of Naeem Bajwa, a key legal figure associated with the founding of the PTI. The tribunal, after hearing the appeal, declared the decision of the returning officer null and void, thereby approving Naeem Bajwa’s nomination papers.
Conversely, the Appellate Tribunal rejected the appeal of Arif Abbasi, a former PTI MPA from PP-19. The tribunal argued that Arif Abbasi is primarily known for his involvement in advertising and has not faced any court proceedings, making him eligible for electoral participation.
These decisions reflect the Election Tribunal’s commitment to ensuring a fair and just electoral process, where appeals are carefully considered, providing candidates with an opportunity to contest elections based on the merits of their cases.
