Islamabad Election Tribunal Demands Affidavits from PML-N Winners Amid Rigging Allegations

An Election Commission lawyer reported a 15,000 rupee fine paid by the RO, urging the tribunal to verify admissibility given that 50% of election petitions were dismissed in Lahore.

ISLAMABAD:  The Election Tribunal, led by Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, has mandated daily hearings in the case concerning alleged rigging in three Islamabad constituencies. The tribunal has reiterated its demand for sworn affidavits from the successful candidates of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Justice Jahangiri, during the hearing of the petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidates, emphasized the need to outline the procedure before proceeding. He insisted on daily hearings in accordance with the law, noting that adjournments exceeding three days are impermissible. He directed the lawyers to refer to Rule 144 of the Election Act, which requires parties to submit their responses within seven days.

In addressing objections raised, Justice Jahangiri clarified that affidavits must accompany replies as per Section 147. When an objection was raised by a lawyer representing Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, the tribunal dismissed his participation due to the absence of a formal authorization letter.

Justice Jahangiri further stressed that any requests for adjournments would incur a fine of one lakh rupees. He also noted that proceedings would cease if the suspended Election Commission order was restored.

On behalf of Amir Masood Mughal, lawyer Anjum Aqeel contended that notices were not issued to all candidates. Justice Jahangiri suggested filing a formal application for objections, promising a tribunal response.

Lawyer Amir Masood Mughal highlighted that their objection stemmed from the lack of notice. The tribunal affirmed the need to address this before accepting any miscellaneous applications.

The Election Tribunal queried whether the Returning Officer (RO) and Election Commission had received responses, to which lawyer Anjum Aqeel Khan confirmed full compliance. The tribunal confirmed daily hearings for the three petitions, with each constituency addressed separately.

Advocate Raja Faisal Younis, representing Raja Khurram Nawaz, noted the non-activation of the tribunal as the reason for delayed responses. The tribunal ordered Nawaz to submit all requisite forms, imposing a fine of 20,000 rupees for the delay.

Read more: IHC suspends ECP’s order to change Islamabad’s election tribunal

An Election Commission lawyer reported a 15,000 rupee fine paid by the RO, urging the tribunal to verify admissibility given that 50% of election petitions were dismissed in Lahore.

Sardar Taimur, counsel for Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, withdrew his plea after Justice Jahangiri stated arguments cannot proceed without formal submission. Consequently, Dr. Chaudhary was fined 20,000 rupees and instructed to submit a response by the following day. He requested additional time due to the extensive record, but the tribunal warned of suspension if deadlines were missed.

The tribunal adjourned hearings for Constituency NA-48 to July 9, Constituency NA-47 to July 10, and Constituency NA-46 to July 11, as the investigation into the alleged rigging continues.

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