Peshawar High Court puts brakes on ECP action against Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz

PESHAWAR (Dunya News) - The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday announced its reserved verdict on petitions filed by PTI leaders Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz, suspending the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) disqualification proceedings against them.

In its written order, the court directed the ECP to stop all further action related to the August 5 disqualification notification. Notices have also been issued to the ECP and other respondents, with the next hearing scheduled for August 20.

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The PHC noted that both leaders had been convicted in absentia by an anti-terrorism court but have since appeared before the court and secured protective bail. The petitioners are now seeking time to file an appeal against the convictions in the Lahore High Court, as the verdicts are not yet final.

The court criticised the ECP for disqualifying Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz without giving them a proper hearing, stating that the move contradicted principles of due process.

By suspending the ECP's decision and summoning responses from all parties involved, the court has effectively paused the disqualification proceedings pending further legal scrutiny.