Pakistan

Election postponed in NA-60 following Hanif Abbasi's life sentence

Polls in Rawalpindi's constituency will take place with other postponed elections in the country

Our Correspondent July 22, 2018

hanif abbasi stands disqualified from contesting upcoming polls following last night 039 s verdict photo express file

Hanif Abbasi stands disqualified from contesting upcoming polls following last night's verdict. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE

RAWALPINDI: A day after Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) candidate Hanif Abbasi was given life sentence in the ephedrine quota case, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Sunday announced postponing of election in NA-60 Rawalpindi-IV.

The general election in the aforementioned constituency shall take place after July 25 along with other postponed elections in the country, said a notification issued by the ECP.

The PML-N leader stands disqualified from contesting upcoming polls following last night's verdict. Abbasi, who was competing against Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid, failed to defend himself before the Rawalpindi's anti-narcotic court.

PML-N's Hanif Abbasi jailed for life

Speaking to Daily Express, Abbasi said that he was neither sorry nor disappointed by the judgment. “I will challenge the verdict in the high court."

The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) officials later arrested Abbasi from the court premises. He was reportedly shifted to Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, his daughter, and son-in-law are also imprisoned.

reacting to the verdict, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan said the conviction of the former federal minister in the ephedrine case demonstrates strength and independence of the country's judiciary.

COMMENTS (1)

Manzoor Ahmed | 6 years ago | Reply This definitely proves that Ephedrine Abassi should never have been allowed to contest for any election. Also proves that he was not working independently to distribute ephedrine or should have been given this quota in the first place. He is a drug peddler and elections should not be delayed because of him. Infect for 500kg he should have been awarded the death sentence along with Ali Musa Gilani and his father.

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