PML-N Affirms Commitment to Election Schedule Despite Senate Uproar

SHC election tribunal approves appeals of most candidates.

Lahore, January 6, 2024: In the aftermath of the Senate resolution causing a stir regarding election delays, Marriyum Aurangzeb, the Information Secretary of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), stood firm, asserting that the scheduled elections would proceed as planned on February 8. Addressing the media after appearing before an anti-terrorism court in Lahore, Aurangzeb emphasized that PML-N was the sole party opposing the resolution.

Despite the uproar in the Senate, Aurangzeb confidently stated, “Elections will be on February 8 [even if] other parties cry or shout.” She pointed fingers at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleging that it was behind the resolution and accusing the party of pursuing a strategic plan, starting with an approach to the Lahore High Court.

Referring to PTI’s strategy, she remarked, “They remain quiet inside and then create a ruckus on the outside. We do not create drama outside the assembly.” Aurangzeb cautioned Imran Khan, the founding chairman of PTI, against making threats from jail, asserting that the people of Pakistan wanted elections.

The PML-N leader disclosed that the party’s schedule for public gatherings would be decided in the coming week. The Senate resolution, a non-binding proposal for election delay, was moved by independent lawmaker Senator Dilawar Khan and passed with the presence of only 14 senators in the 100-member house. Both PTI’s Senator Gurdeep Singh and PPP’s Behramand Tangi abstained from voting, leading to the adjournment of the session.

While,

An election tribunal approved appeals of most election candidates against returning officers decisions, on Saturday.

An election tribunal comprised of Justice Adnan ul Karim Memon granted appeals of candidates against rejection of nomination papers by ROs including the PTI candidates.

The election tribunal approved appeal of the PTI’s Subhan Ali Sahil from NA-243 Karachi and Amjad Afridi from NA-242 constituency.

The SHC tribunal also granted appeal of the PTI’s Hasnain Chohan against returning officer’s decision from PS-113 and PPP’s Rauf Ahmed.

The tribunal allowed independent candidate Rafia Hassan to contest election from PS-126 and approved nomination papers of independent candidates Jamaluddin and Deedar Ali.

Justice Adnan ul Karim also granted appeal of Makhdoom Fazal, the PTI’s candidate from Hala.

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“Why the candidates being restricted from contesting elections,” Justice Memon said in his harsh remarks against returning officers.

“It seems the ROs have rejected nomination papers only for the sake of fun,” the Judge remarked. “A candidate could not be restrained to contest election owing to cases against him,” he observed.

“When those holding telescopes could not indicate facts, how could we,” he questioned. “Go and get prepare for elections,” Justice Adnan ul Karim said in his interchange with candidates and their lawyers.

“How could you contest collection when having no money to pay taxes,” in a dialogue with a candidate the judge said. “I am a fisherman, the community will help me,” he replied.

“Everyone has to help himself, go, it is your right to contest election,” the judge added.