SC lifts lifetime ban on Siddique Baloch, upholds re-election in NA-154
The tribunal had disqualified Baloch on grounds of contesting with a fake degree
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday has lifted ban imposed on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Siddique Baloch for life to contest elections.
However, the SC has upheld election tribunal’s verdict of re-election in NA-154 Lodhran constituency. The development has come in after Baloch approached the SC against tribunal’s verdict.
The case was heard by a three-member bench headed by Justice Saqib Nisar.
The tribunal, earlier had disqualified Baloch on grounds of contesting the by-election with a fake degree. Siddique Baloch was de-seated by the tribunal on August 26 over a petition filed by former secretary general of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Jahangir Tareen against alleged rigging in NA- during the 2013 General Elections.
While talking to the media outside the SC today, Tareen said that the SC’s decision is a point to rejoice for the people of Lodhran. He said that PTI would face the ruling party in people’s court. He expressed confidence over PTI’s potential to topple PML-N in Lodhran.
READ ALSO: SC halts NA-154 by-election, restores membership of Siddique Baloch
On the other hand, Baloch retaliated saying that the SC’s verdict does not state anywhere that rigging was proved. However, he said that the court has shown reservations over Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) administration in the constituency.
Baloch was handed over the disqualification for violating Article 62 and 63. Baloch had won the NA-154 seat in the General Election 2013 as an independent candidate. However, the elected Lodhran leader went on to join PML-N.
