Election Tribunal Discovers Form 45s of Khokhar and Ali Bukhari aligned in NA-48

As the hearing progressed, all eyes were on the comparison of Form 45s belonging to various candidates.

ISLAMABAD: In a pivotal development in the alleged rigging case of National Assembly Constituency NA-48, the Election Tribunal has made a significant revelation. During a crucial hearing, it was unveiled that Form 45 of independent candidate Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar and PTI candidate Ali Bukhari are identical, adding fuel to the ongoing legal battle and stirring curiosity among observers.

The courtroom was charged with anticipation on Thursday as presiding Judge Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri took the bench. Expressing disappointment over the absence of Returning Officers (ROs), the judge imposed a fine of 15,000 rupees, highlighting the seriousness of the matter.

The tension escalated when the legal counsel representing PML-N leader Raja Khurram Nawaz, the victor of NA-48, asserted the unavailability of certified forms. However, Justice Jahangiri swiftly refuted the claim, questioning its credibility and emphasizing the Election Commission’s responsibility to provide essential documents to winning candidates.

In a bold move, the Election Tribunal imposed a hefty fine of 15,15000 rupees on PML-N leader Raja Khurram Nawaz and the Returning Officer for their failure to produce certified copies of Form 45 and the requisite response.

As the hearing progressed, all eyes were on the comparison of Form 45s belonging to various candidates. The pivotal moment arrived when the Form 45s of Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar and PTI candidate Ali Bukhari were found to align, potentially signifying a breakthrough in the electoral controversy.

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With this discovery, the Election Tribunal took decisive action, segregating the scrutiny process for the Islamabad constituencies. Importantly, it was noted that the case pertaining to NA-46 remains pending, leaving the nation in suspense as the legal proceedings unfold.