LHC reserves verdict on Sheikh Rashid's petition challenging postponement of NA-60 polls
Rashid's counsel advocate Abdur Razzaq submitted the petition in the court.
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Rawalpindi bench on Monday reserved verdict on the petition of Awami Muslim League (AML) leader Sheikh Rashid’s petition challenging the decision of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to postpone elections in NA-60 constituency.
His counsel advocate Abdur Razzaq submitted the petition in the court.
The plea maintained that Rashid’s opponent Hanof Abbasi was sentenced to life-term imprisonment however; the elections cannot be postponed in case any candidate is convicted by the court.
Why do the voters bear the consequences of a candidate’s conviction by court, added the plea.
It went on to say that the elections were not postponed following the sentences of Maryam Nawaz and Capt (retd.) Safdar.
Rashid has requested the court to annul the notification of ECP and direct to hold elections in the constituency on July 25. ECP and returning officer (RO) have been nominated parties in the petition.
An anti-narcotics court on Saturday handed life imprisonment to Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz’s (PML-N) leader Hanif Abbasi in ephedrine quota case. In the light of court’s verdict, Hanif Abbasi has been barred from contesting elections.
Reply summoned from ECP over PPP’s petition
Another petitioner, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Mukhtar Abbas had opposed ECP’s decision in Islamabad High Court.
Justice Amir Farooq heard the case during which the petitioner’s lawyer maintained that six different candidates were suspended in the past however; the elections were not suspended.
“At least eight candidates are taking part in the polls after scrutiny,” argued the lawyer.
“The name of Hanif Abbasi has been published in the ballot papers. What will happen in this regard?” asked the judge.
The court while summoning reply from the ECP adjourned the hearing until tomorrow.
