Election tribunal issues notices to PM

Petitioner seeks Imran Khan’s disqualification, initiation of proceedings for corrupt practice

LAHORE: An election tribunal on Friday issued a notice to Prime Minister Imran Khan on a petition challenging his victory from NA-95 Mianwali in the July 25 election for allegedly concealing facts and not making truthful declaration in his nomination papers about his ‘illegitimate’ child.

The tribunal, comprising Lahore High Court judge Shahid Waheed, also issued a notice to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) after hearing preliminary arguments.

The petition, filed through advocate Mubeen Uddin Qazi, contended that in his nomination papers for the said seat, Khan had sworn in a false declaration to the effect that he fulfilled the qualification laid down in Article 62 and 63 of the Constitution.

The petition said Khan is not qualified to be elected or chosen as a lawmaker as he is ‘not of good character’ and violates Islamic injunctions, lacks adequate knowledge of Islamic teachings and does not practice obligatory duties prescribed by Islam, and has failed to abstain from major sins.



“Moreover, he is not sagacious, righteous, non-profligate, honest and amen (trustworthy); and also habitually propagates opinion, and acts in manner prejudicial to the integrity and independence of the judiciary of Pakistan, besides defaming and bringing into ridicule the judiciary,” it said.



The petition said the concealed facts stood confirmed from the certified documents and the judgment of the paternity rendered by a superior court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles in favour of Sita White wherein it was held that Khan was the father of a minor, Tyrian Jade.

It said for the purpose of general elections  of 2002, 2013 and 2018, Khan in all the nomination papers only declared Suleman Khan and Kasim Khan in the list of his children and concealed existence of his ‘love child’.

It said Khan could not be allowed to hold a public office under article 62(1)(d), (e) &(f) and article 63(1)(f), (p) & (o) of the Constitution, and requested the court to direct the ECP to de-notify him as MNA from the said constituency and declare the seat vacant.

“[The tribunal should also issue] directions for initiating appropriate proceedings against Khan for committing corrupt practice by submitting false information/ declaration in his nomination papers,” it added.