Former PM Abbasi challenges rejection of nomination papers

Former MNA Ayesha Gulalai and Sardar Mehtab also challenged rejections

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi challenged on Friday the rejection of his nomination papers in Islamabad's Appellate Tribunal of Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani.

Rejected nominees Ayesha Gulalai and Sardar Mehtab Abbasi also challenged their rejection from the same constituency.



The returning officer of NA-53, Islamabad, rejected the papers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chief Imran Khan and former MNA Gulalai as well. The RO said all three candidates had submitted insufficient information for nomination and failed to show their progress in this respective constituencies.

Today [June 22] is the last day to submit the appeals against the RO's decisions. Appellate tribunals formed across the country will hear the appeals until June 27. ROs have, so far, rejected 1860 candidates countrywide.

Ayaz Sadiq demands removal of NA-129

Former speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has written a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner demanding the removal of NA-129 Returning Officer Ghulam Murtaza Uppal.

In the letter, Sadiq alleged that the returning officer is biased and supporting his political opponent Aleem Khan, the candidate of PTI.

The speaker claimed he was summoned in person by the returning officer during scrutiny of nomination papers whereas Aleem Khan was exempted and only called in after the PML-N protested the move. Sadiq said it would be deemed pre-poll rigging if the RO continues on his post.

On Thursday, former law minister Babar Awan argued before the appellate tribunal that the rejection by the returning officer. Awan who is representing PTI chairperson, gave these statements before Justice Kiyani of the appellate tribunal while presenting Imran’s case.



Imran’s counsel had challenged the rejection on Wednesday. Justice Kiyani has sought records from the RO and issued him a notice regarding the rejection as well. He further questioned the cancellation of Imran’s nomination to which Awan said that the rejection was on “flimsy grounds.”

“Imran is chairman of Pakistan’s largest political party and strives for the basic rights of all. The RO scrutinised his nomination papers on June 19 and rejected them. Imran did not hide any facts nor lie,” Awan argued.