Lahore High Court conditionally accepts Raja Pervaiz Ashraf's nomination

LHC overturns decision of election tribunal that had rejected Ashraf's nomination.

The Lahore High Court on Thursday conditionally allowed former prime minister, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf to participate in the general elections.

Earlier, an election tribunal had rejected Raja Pervaiz Ashraf’s nomination on account of his involvement in the rental power projects and a court of contempt case. The court decided that since Ashraf’s involvement in the cases had not yet been proven, the decision be immediately repealed. They were also asked to add Ashraf’s name in the list of candidates.

At the same time, the LHC has asked the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Election Commission to decide by 22 April if the charges levied against Raja Ashraf are true and if regulations of the Election Commission affect Raja Ashraf’s candidacy.

The verdict would eventually decide whether Ashraf is allowed to participate in the elections. If the decision doesn't rule in his favour, his name will be taken out from the list of candidates. In the event he is successful in the elections, the notification of his success would be suspended, the LHC ruled.