Top court suspends LHC order rejecting newly-drafted nomination papers

CJP asserts elections will be held on July 25

LAHORE: The country’s top court on Sunday suspended Lahore High Court’s order rejecting the new nomination papers drafted by the Parliament and directing Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to redraft the forms.

During the hearing of petitions filed by former speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq and ECP, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar asserted that the upcoming general polls will be held on July 25. “The ECP will be responsible for any delay in elections,” he said.

Earlier today, Sadiq and ECP challenged the LHC verdict that the new nomination forms violated Article 62, 63 of the Constitution. The petitioners’ counsels urged Justice Nisar to expedite the case as the high court’s decision could delay forthcoming general polls.

On Friday, the LHC had ruled that the forms to be submitted by candidates did not include mandatory information and declarations required from the aspiring lawmakers by the Constitution and law, including details such as their educational background, criminal record or if they are dual nationals.



In the judgment, Justice Ayesha Malik had directed ECP to redraft the papers ensuring that mandatory information and declarations were part of the revised nomination form Form A - for assembly and Senate and Form B - the statement of assets and liabilities.

On Saturday, ECP had announced to approach top court against LHC verdict and Balochistan High Court (BHC) decision nullifying new delimitations of eight constituencies and ordering the commission to review flaws and reorganise delimitation according to population of the constituencies.